Father's Heartbreaking 15-Month Search for Baby's Body After Marshalltown Fire

Mike Ngulube's 15-month search for his baby's body, lost in the Marshalltown fire, remains unresolved as government and forensic services fail to provide the grave's location. Despite meetings facilitated by the Socio-Economic Rights Institute, the body was mistakenly released to another family and buried under a different name. Ngulube, who lost his wife and child in the fire, faces bureaucratic hurdles and financial burdens in his quest for closure. The Gauteng Department of Health has not disclosed the grave's location, prompting Ngulube to consider legal action.

Union criticises employers for not registering domestic workers with UIF. But it’s not so simple

Four years after the Constitutional Court's Mahlangu ruling, domestic workers in South Africa still face challenges accessing compensation and unemployment benefits. Despite legal amendments and awareness campaigns, many employers have not registered domestic workers with the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (Coida) or the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). The United Domestic Workers of South Africa (Udwosa) and other organizations criticize the Department of Labour for inadequate enforcement and a problematic UIF registration system. Workers fear job loss if they demand registration, and some face difficulties due to system inefficiencies and permit verification issues.

Union criticises employers for not registering domestic workers with UIF. But it’s not so simple

The article discusses the ongoing challenges faced by domestic workers in South Africa regarding their registration for the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA). Despite a landmark ruling in 2020, many employers have not registered their domestic workers, leaving them vulnerable. The United Domestic Workers of South Africa (UDWOSA) and other organizations criticize the Department of Labour for inadequate enforcement and a problematic UIF registration system. The article highlights personal stories of domestic workers struggling with job security and accessing benefits, emphasizing the need for better implementation and enforcement of labor laws.

Union Criticises Employers for Not Registering Domestic Workers With UIF. But It's Not So Simple

The article discusses the challenges faced by domestic workers in South Africa regarding their registration with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA). Despite a landmark ruling in 2020, many employers have not registered their domestic workers, leaving them vulnerable. The United Domestic Workers of South Africa and other organizations criticize the Department of Labour for inadequate enforcement and a problematic registration system. The article highlights personal stories of domestic workers who have faced difficulties due to lack of registration and systemic issues.

Unemployed Tembisa men step in to clean filthy chemical toilets

In Tembisa, two unemployed men have taken the initiative to clean communal toilets in their informal settlement, charging residents a small fee. This action follows a halt in services by companies contracted by the City of Ekurhuleni due to a payment dispute. The community, facing sanitation challenges, has been neglected by the municipality, with residents unable to use filthy toilets. The City is working to resolve the issue, but the payment crisis with contractors like Sanitech and Red Ants persists, affecting service delivery.

South Africa: 300 Families From Rabie Ridge Go to Court to Fight Eviction

Over 300 families in Rabie Ridge, Johannesburg, are contesting their eviction by the City of Johannesburg, which claims the land is designated for a housing development. The families, mostly unemployed and reliant on government support, argue for the right to remain and receive services. The City has demolished their shacks multiple times, but the families continue to rebuild. The case has been postponed to allow the families to submit an answering affidavit.

South Africa: Injured Mister Sweet Workers Yet to Be Compensated

Casual workers at Premier's Mister Sweet factory in South Africa, who were injured while filling in for striking workers, are concerned about not receiving compensation. The strike, which lasted 11 weeks, ended on November 1. One worker, Themba, lost a finger and claims he received no formal training. Premier denies the lack of training and states that all workers are covered by the Workers' Compensation Fund. The injuries are under investigation by the labor department. The Simunye Workers Forum has raised concerns about the use of inadequately trained casual workers during the strike.

Mister Sweet workers shut down labour department

Striking workers from Premier's Mister Sweet factory in Germiston have accused the company of violating health and safety regulations, claiming that several casual workers have suffered injuries. The workers demand higher wages and have criticized the Department of Labour for inaction, alleging corruption among inspectors. The protest led to a temporary shutdown of the Labour Department's office in Germiston. Premier denies the allegations, asserting compliance with safety regulations. The Department of Labour has yet to respond to the accusations.

South Africa: Mister Sweet Workers Shut Down Labour Department

Striking workers from Mister Sweet, owned by Premier, have accused the company of violating health and safety regulations, leading to injuries among casual workers. They briefly shut down the Labour Department's office in Germiston, demanding action against the company. Allegations include bribery of an inspector and inadequate living conditions for temporary workers. The company denies these claims, asserting compliance with safety regulations. The Labour Department has yet to respond to these allegations.

Another worker loses a finger at Mister Sweet

A second worker has lost a finger at Premier's Mister Sweet factory in Germiston amid an ongoing strike by permanent workers demanding better wages. The Simunye Workers’ Forum reports that the company is offering a 7% wage increase, which workers have rejected, demanding a higher wage. Premier is reportedly paying casual workers more than permanent ones, leading to further discontent. The Belgian union FGTB Chimie has expressed support for the strike, highlighting international attention on the issue. The company acknowledges the injuries but remains firm on its wage offer, while the Department of Labour investigates the incidents.