BY SHELTON MAHANDANA
South Africa, with its dynamic workforce and evolving economic landscape, has a comprehensive set of labour laws designed to protect the rights and interests of employees and employers alike. Here are the 7 most talked-about labour laws in the country:
1. Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001 (UIF):
– The UIF provides financial support to employees who become unemployed, ensuring a safety net during periods of job loss. Both employers and employees contribute to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
2. National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018 (NMWA):
– Introduced to address wage inequality, the NMWA establishes a minimum wage to protect the lowest-paid workers. Employers must ensure compliance with the stipulated minimum wage, varying based on different sectors and geographic locations.
3. Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 (EEA):
– The EEA addresses workplace discrimination by promoting equal opportunities and fair treatment for employees, irrespective of race, gender, or disability. Employers must implement affirmative action measures to achieve employment equity.
4. Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (OHSA):
– Ensuring a safe working environment is the OHSA’s primary goal. It mandates employers to take reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of employees. Compliance involves risk assessments, safety measures, and reporting incidents.
5. Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA):
– At the heart of industrial relations, the LRA governs collective labour law, dispute resolution, and the right to strike. It promotes fair practices in labor relations and outlines procedures for dispute resolution.
6. The Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997(BCEA):
– The BCEA establishes fundamental conditions of employment, including working hours, leave entitlements, and termination notice periods. It ensures a baseline standard for fair and just employment practices.
7. The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 130 of 1993(COIDA):
– COIDA provides for the payment of compensation to workers who suffer injuries or contract diseases as a result of their employment. It also requires employers to take out insurance to cover the cost of such compensation.
NB: All laws are as amended.
