Pay increase for domestic workers

Johannesburg - The Department of Employment and Labour’s National Minimum Wage Commission has recommended an above inflation hike to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for 2023, which could increase the rate for domestic workers to R25.05 an hour.

In December 2022 the commission announced that it is conducting an investigation into the NMW for 2023 and an increase could be in the range of CPI+0.5% and CPI+1%. With CPI averaging around 7% for 2022, this would put the hike around 8%.

The current national minimum wage announced by Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi in February 2022 was adjusted from R21.69 in 2021 to R23.19 in 2022 for each hour worked, coming into effect on 1 March 2022.

A hike to R25.05 would push the monthly rate to over R4 000 for a worker who works eight hours a day, 20 days a month; about R300 more than in 2022.

Salary data from SweepSouth in August 2022 showed that the average domestic worker earns only R2 997 per month, below the current NMW of R3 700 a month.

On top of a hike for 2023, the commission is also looking at setting mediumterm targets for the NMW.

NMW chairperson Prof Adriaan van der Walt said workers must earn enough to maintain a decent standard of living.

“That is defined as sufficient to support themselves and their families at a level that is both socially acceptable and economically viable. The target should ensure that the value of the national minimum wage does not decline relative to the median wage,” he said.

The commission is inviting representation from the public concerning the medium-term target to be set. The commission has also started an investigation into the protection of Community Health Workers (CHWs).

Prof van der Walt said the terms of reference of this investigation are to investigate the wages and conditions of employment of Community Health Workers in the health sector.

“This is with a view to establish a sectoral determination prescribing minimum wages and conditions of employment,” Prof van der Walt said.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) said the increase to the NMW was welcome, but workers want a bigger increase, with unions pushing for 10%.

“The 8% is not what COSATU has proposed, we made a submission for CPI+3%, and with the engagement that has taken place, we were then able to move from 3% to 2%. With CPI at 7.5% at the time, this would have taken it to 9.5%. This would make a meaningful increase to the majority of the vulnerable workers, in particular the domestic workers and farm workers. The 8% increase will be supported by the public, but that would not lead to any significant improvement for workers. With the challenges in the economy today the improvement will be minimal,” the union said.

Terror gang victims urged to come forward

Johannesburg - Following the recent arrest of gangsters suspected to be responsible for street robberies in Hillbrow and the Joburg CBD, Gauteng police have called for victims to come forward.

Several videos showing the gang of four or five men attacking victims and robbing them of their belongings were recently shared on platforms that included social media. They were seen on videos approaching victims, strangle and rob them in full view of the public.

Gauteng police spokesperson Lt-Colonel Mavela Masondo said police and the JMPD closely observed the gang and pounced on them after they robbed a victim.

“The victims and those with information can call Lt-Colonel Nkotswi on 082 319 9955. Information and tip-offs can also be sent via the MySAPS App or Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” Masondo said.

Entrepreneurship project to support women and youths

Johannesburg - The Africa Climate Change Fund (ACCF) has launched a scheme to support mechanisms for climate adaptation finance for women entrepreneurs and youths. This is after the approval of $1 million in grant funding by development partners. The scheme called YouthAdapt: Empowering Women and Youth for Entrepreneurship and Job Creation in Climate Adaptation and Resilience, plans to develop transformative climate-resilient bankable projects aligned with African countries’ nationally determined contributions.

YouthAdapt is a flagship programme under the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme (AAAP) which aims to unlock the untapped potential of African youth to drive resilience and green enterprise. The virtual rallied together stakeholders, including the project team, quality control, adaptation, gender and communication experts, and climate change and green growth experts to share experiences.

AAAP coordinator and principal climate change officer Edith Adera said: “African youth are leading the way in concrete climate action as agents of change, innovators, and entrepreneurs.”

She added that the scheme would support women-led local enterprises promoting adaptation solutions to create additional jobs. She thanked the ACCF for collaborating on the projects and commended the fund for its role in facilitating the production of proposals.

Security guard held for assault

Johannesburg - A security guard was recently arrested in Hillbrow for alleged assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and pointing a firearm.

JMPD undercover reaction unit officers received information about a man allegedly shooting at people at corner Twist and Bok streets. The man tried to escape but they gave chase and arrested him at corner Wolmarans and Edith Cavell streets. Police seized a licensed firearm and ammunition.

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said officers received information that the man had allegedly assaulted a woman who lives in the building where he is stationed.

“It was alleged that he kicked her in the face, stomach and ribs while pointing a firearm at her until she passed out. When questioned why he assaulted the woman he did not provide any answer,” Fihla said.

He was detained at Hillbrow police station where a case has been opened for investigation.