South Africa : Mining sector opting for subcontractors

By Edwin Tshivhidzo, tel: (012) 314-2454

Pretoria - Research conducted by the Human Science Research Council (HSRC) and the University of the Witwatersrand has indicated that companies in the mining sector are opting for subcontractors instead of employing permanent staff.

According to the statistics in 2003 there was 438 000 permanent employees in the mining sector and 90 231 subcontractors compared to 2005 when the number of permanent employees decreased to 322 063 while subcontractors increased to 122 589.

The research also found that most employers were not adhering to stipulated wage minimums, which resulted in workers being exploited and often given lower salaries. Most subcontractors do not receive a basic salary which leads to unfair deductions from their employees.

Acting Director-General from the Department of Labour Les Kettledas told BuaNews that there was need to develop strategies for the implementation of policies to ensure prevention of exploitation.

"We have sound policies, what we need to do is to implement them. Some of the issues can be dealt with legislatively," said Mr Kettledas.

He explained that the research was aimed at ensuring that corrective measures were put in place.

Professor Edward Webster from the Sociology of Work Unit at the University of Witwatersrand said workers should be given adequate protection in their workplace.

"The Department of Labour must intervene to ensure adherence to labour policies," said Professor Webster.

In a bid to ensure adherence to labour laws, the department inspectors continuously conduct work place inspections countrywide to ensure labour law compliance. - BuaNews