Phathiwe Ndleleni
Activist and philanthropist
By Phathiwe Ndleleni
Activist and philanthropist
As I sit down to write about the unemployment crisis in South Africa, my heart heavy with the weight of injustice, I am reminded of the countless lives shattered by the very system meant to protect them.
Approximately 8.4 million people are struggling to find employment, and behind each statistic is a story of hope, desperation, and resilience.
The Unseen Victims: Employees Exploited by Employers
One of the most insidious contributors to this crisis is the non-compliance of employers.
They deduct monies from employees’ salaries for UIF, Provident Fund, and other benefits, but fail to register their employees or remit the funds.
It’s a betrayal of trust, a theft of hard-earned money, and a cruel blow to those who can least afford it.
These employees are forced to live in uncertainty, their futures hanging precariously in the balance.
A Culture of Fear: Whistleblowers Silenced
When employees dare to expose employer non-compliance, they are often met with retaliation, bullying, and victimization.
They are illegally retrenched, their voices silenced, and their lives further destabilized.
The Department of Labor and CCMA, institutions meant to protect them, often fail to act decisively, leaving employees vulnerable to exploitation.
A Systemic Failure: Institutions Meant to Protect
The Department of Labor confirms employer non-compliance but fails to take action.
The CCMA’s processes are criticized for being biased towards employers, eroding trust in the institution.
The police fail to act on cases of employer fraud, allowing perpetrators to continue their exploitative practices with impunity. And the media, with its focus on sensational stories, overlooks the plight of employees who are victims of employer exploitation.
A Question to Those in Charge: Where is Your Conscience?
As individuals working in these institutions, do you ever stop to consider the human impact of your inaction? When you drag your feet, refuse to assist, or turn a blind eye to injustice, do you realize that you are affecting real people’s lives? Do you see the tears, the struggles, and the desperation of those who are fighting for their rights? Or have you become numb to the suffering of others, too caught up in bureaucratic red tape to care?
A Call to Action: It’s Time for Change
We cannot continue to ignore the systemic problems that exacerbate unemployment and perpetuate injustice. It’s time for the Department of Labor, CCMA, police, and media to take their responsibilities seriously. We need a fair and just labor market, where employees are protected, and employers are held accountable.
To Those in Charge: We Implore You
Please, take action. Protect the rights of employees. Hold employers accountable for their actions. Ensure that institutions meant to protect are not toothless, but empowered to make a difference. The lives of millions depend on it. Remember, behind every statistic is a human being, deserving of dignity, respect, and fairness.
Truth Be Told: