25 January 2023
JOINT STATEMENT OF MINISTER NXESI AND MEC MANOPOLE ON THEIR VISIT TO NORTHERN CAPE FARMS AFTER THE DEATH OF FARM WORKERS IN KAKAMAS
The Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi has warned farmers in the Northern Cape that food security will be affected if preservation of the livelihood of farmworkers is not prioritised. On Monday, 23 January 2023, the Minister together with the Northern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform Mase Manopole, visited three farms (Groenheuwel, Loveren and Tierkop) in Kakamas, in the Northern Cape, where eight (8) farmworkers passed on, from what is suspected to be a heatstroke.
The Minister and MEC expressed their condolences to the families of the farm workers who lost their lives.
Minister Nxesi and MEC Manopole were accompanied by the Director General of the Department of Employment and Labour, Mr. Thobile Lamati and senior officials from both Departments.
Minister Nxesi said even though they have received a preliminary report, there are further investigations underway which will pave a way on what actions should be taken to determine if there was negligence. " We can confirm that as per the preliminary report, about eight people have passed on so far. However, our inspectors and other stakeholders such as the South African Police Service and the Department of Agriculture will have to investigate further, so that actions can be taken if there is someone who was found to be negligent," said Minister Nxesi.
"We are not here to investigate farmers. We are here to talk to them and try to find ways on how do we make sure that such an event does not happen again in future. The South African Weather Service has indicated the heatwave will persist for some time in this area, which suggest that employers would have to take into consideration the issue of working hours. Health and safety issues are the responsibilities of the employer. Hence, in order to protect food security in this country, we need to protect the wellbeing of our farm workers because without them, we are unable to produce food," he said.
MEC Manopole said farmers should prioritise performance of regular medical tests and assessments on farmworkers, to avoid possible deaths and injuries.
"The working relationship between farm owners and the department of health should be strengthened, so that regular medical tests are performed, to prevent more deaths on our farms. Health and safety in our farms and constant medical check-ups are our biggest priority in the Department ".
The Department of Employment and Labour will also assisting with services at its disposal to support the affected families through its funds namely the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Compensation Fund.
The Minister and MEC further received a commitment from farm owners that they will continue to comply with health and safety regulations as prescribed by the legislation and that they will take full responsibility for the arrangements of dignified send-off of the deceased.
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Issued by Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Affairs and the Department of Employment and Labour.
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