Hot weather conditions predicted for several parts of the country over the next coming months have sparked concerns around the safety of farmworkers, who are vulnerable to heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
This follows the tragic death of eight farmworkers from three farms in Kakamas who died of heatstroke. The Northern Cape department of agriculture said it is working with farmers to find solutions to health and safety concerns on farms in the province.
During a recent visit to the three farms by Thulas Nxesi, the Northern Cape minister of employment and labour, he said that the matter would have to be investigated further to determine if negligence played a role in the death of the farmworkers so that appropriate actions are taken.
Nxesi was joined by the province’s MEC for agriculture, environmental affairs, rural development and land reform, Mase Manopole, director-general of the department of employment and labour, Thobile Lamati, and senior officials from both departments.
The party visited three farms, namely Groenheuwel, Loveren and Tierkop, where the farmworkers succumbed to heatstroke.
‘We want to talk to the farmers’
“We are not here to investigate farmers. Instead, we are here to talk to them and try to find ways on how we can make sure that such an event does not happen again in future,” said Nxesi. “The South African Weather Service has indicated the heatwave will persist for some time in this area, which suggests that employers would have to take into consideration the issue of working hours.”
Health and safety issues are the responsibilities of the employer, Nxesi pointed out. In order to protect food security in this country, the well-being of farmworkers must be protected, he added. “Without them, we are unable to produce food.”
Manopole said farmers should prioritise the performance of regular medical tests and assessments on farmworkers to avoid possible deaths and injuries.
Making health a No 1 priority
“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 on our farms and constant medical check-ups are our biggest priority in the department,” said Manopole.
The department of employment and labour said it would assist with services at its disposal to support the affected families through its 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 that they will take full responsibility for the arrangements for the dignified send-offs for the deceased.
Manopole also recently met with leaders from various agricultural organisations and Eskom in an effort to find solutions to the persistent load shedding.
The MEC indicated that as the provincial government, it understands the frustration of farmers in their province due to the inconvenience caused by load shedding.
Manopole reported that there have been efforts to avert the situation. Minister of agriculture, Thoko Didiza, convened a meeting to establish a small sector task team comprising government, industry, and energy specialists.
She also urged leaders of farmers’ organisations to encourage their members to take advantage of the scorching sunrays and strong winds in the Northern Cape by investing in renewable energy.
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