Strengthening Employment and Labour Services in Potchefstroom, North West Province: An In-Depth Analysis

The Department of Employment and Labour conducted a week-long blitz inspection in Potchefstroom, North West Province, to evaluate compliance with acts related to employment services. The focus was on the hospitality sector, with non-compliance identified as a prevalent issue, especially with the Unemployment Insurance Act. The Department expanded its services to over 1600 communities, offering Public Employment Services, Unemployment Insurance Fund services, and Compensation Fund services. The Department is committed to advocating for adherence to relevant acts and ensuring fair labor practices.

What was the focus of the Department of Employment and Labour’s week-long blitz inspection in Potchefstroom?

The focus of the assessment was to evaluate compliance with acts related to employment services, including Occupational Health and Safety, Compensation of Injuries and Diseases, Unemployment Insurance, and Basic Conditions of Employment in the hospitality sector. The Department also expanded its services to over 1600 communities, offering Public Employment Services, Unemployment Insurance Fund services, and Compensation Fund services. Non-compliance with the acts, especially the Unemployment Insurance Act, was identified as a prevalent issue.

The North West Province in South Africa has witnessed a substantial drive by the Department of Employment and Labour to offer an array of services related to employment for local communities. This endeavor was highlighted during the week-long blitz inspection that took place in Potchefstroom, where 114 hospitality sector employers were examined for compliance with different acts. This inspection, spearheaded by acting provincial chief inspector Daniel Moshodi, led to the issuance of 35 compliance orders.

A Focus on Act Compliance in the Hospitality Sector

The primary focus of the assessment was to evaluate hospitality establishments’ compliance with the following acts: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Compensation of Injuries and Diseases (COIDA), Unemployment Insurance (UIA), and Basic Conditions of Employment (BCEA).

Spanning the week of October 16 to 20, 2023, the Department expanded its services to over 1600 communities in Ventersdorp, Kanana, Jouberton, and Ikageng. These services encompassed Public Employment Services, Unemployment Insurance Fund services, and Compensation Fund services. As a result, more than R5.2 million was disbursed by the Compensation Fund to medical service providers and benefit recipients.

Expanding Services and Support for the Community

During this time, the UIF bus facilitated standard benefit applications for 347 individuals, offering an extra layer of support beyond the local labor centers. Additionally, the Department’s Public Employment Services (PES) branch attended the Presidential Imbizo, where they registered CVs on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) system for potential job placements. ESSA can be accessed online at https://essa.labour.gov.za/EssaOnline/WebBeans/.

Mr. Moshodi noted that the most prevalent compliance issues were the non-registration of employers and non-declaration of employees by employers under the Unemployment Insurance Act. Moreover, non-registration and contribution by employers under COIDA were also flagged as areas of concern.

Addressing Non-Compliance and Ensuring Fair Labor Practices

Based on Moshodi’s evaluation, 30% of the inspected companies were non-compliant, indicating a significant portion of the workforce still facing challenges. He specifically voiced concern regarding non-compliance with the UIA, UICA, and COIDA. To tackle this problem, Moshodi emphasized the Department’s unwavering commitment to advocating for adherence to these laws until a zero non-compliance rate is reached. The Labour Law Prescripts will be stringently followed to ensure that non-compliant companies are dealt with appropriately.

The Department of Employment and Labour’s commitment to providing essential services to communities in the North West Province is clear. Through inspections, service offerings, and active promotion of compliance with relevant acts, they aim to establish a more equitable and supportive environment for the local workforce. As this initiative progresses, the impact of this united effort is expected to be significant, fostering positive change in the region’s employment landscape.

1. What is the Department of Employment and Labour’s week-long blitz inspection in Potchefstroom all about?

The week-long blitz inspection in Potchefstroom is an assessment conducted by the Department of Employment and Labour to evaluate compliance with acts related to employment services, including Occupational Health and Safety, Compensation of Injuries and Diseases, Unemployment Insurance, and Basic Conditions of Employment in the hospitality sector.

2. What was the main focus of the assessment by the Department of Employment and Labour in Potchefstroom?

The primary focus of the assessment was to evaluate hospitality establishments’ compliance with the following acts: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Compensation of Injuries and Diseases (COIDA), Unemployment Insurance (UIA), and Basic Conditions of Employment (BCEA).

3. What additional services did the Department of Employment and Labour offer to the communities during the week-long blitz inspection in Potchefstroom?

The Department expanded its services to over 1600 communities, offering Public Employment Services, Unemployment Insurance Fund services, and Compensation Fund services.

4. What was the total amount disbursed by the Compensation Fund to medical service providers and benefit recipients during the week-long blitz inspection in Potchefstroom?

During the week-long blitz inspection, the Compensation Fund disbursed more than R5.2 million to medical service providers and benefit recipients.

5. What were the most prevalent compliance issues identified by acting provincial chief inspector Daniel Moshodi during the week-long blitz inspection in Potchefstroom?

The most prevalent compliance issues were the non-registration of employers and non-declaration of employees by employers under the Unemployment Insurance Act. Moreover, non-registration and contribution by employers under COIDA were also flagged as areas of concern.

6. What percentage of the inspected companies were found to be non-compliant during the week-long blitz inspection in Potchefstroom?

Based on Moshodi’s evaluation, 30% of the inspected companies were non-compliant, indicating a significant portion of the workforce still facing challenges.

7. What is the Department of Employment and Labour’s commitment regarding non-compliance with relevant acts?

The Department of Employment and Labour is committed to advocating for adherence to relevant acts and ensuring fair labor practices, until a zero non-compliance rate is reached. The Labour Law Prescripts will be stringently followed to ensure that non-compliant companies are dealt with appropriately.

8. How can individuals register their CVs on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) system for potential job placements?

Individuals can register their CVs on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) system for potential job placements by accessing ESSA online at https://essa.labour.gov.za/EssaOnline/WebBeans/.