Minister T. Nxesi and MEC M Manopole visit NC farms after the death of farm workers in Kakamas

By the Departments of Labour and Agriculture

Pictures sourced

The Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi, has warned farmers in the Northern Cape that food security will be affected if preservation of 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 that even though they have received a preliminary report, further investigations are underway, which will pave the way for what actions should be taken to determine if there was negligence. “We can confirm that, per the preliminary report, about eight people have passed on. 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 follow if there is someone who is 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 to ensure that such an event does not happen again in the future. The South African Weather Service has indicated the heatwave will persist for some time in this area, suggesting that employers would have to consider the issue of working hours. Health and safety issues are the responsibilities of the employer. Hence, to protect food security in this country, we need to protect the well-being of our farm workers because, without them, we cannot produce food,” he said.

MEC Manopole said farmers should prioritise the 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 be 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 take full responsibility for the arrangements of the dignified send-off of the deceased.