A Newcastle-based textile factory has found itself under the spotlight following an inspection led by the Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi.
Reflecting on the scrutiny that unfolded on Friday, 1 March 2024, the Department highlighted that the inspection specifically targeted the factory, which had previously suffered a devastating fire in June 2023.
Tragically, the fire resulted in the loss of four lives and left 18 others injured.
Taking place along Gutenberg Street on Saturday, 24 June 2023, the fire erupted and despite the efforts of emergency personnel and firefighters, two people lost their lives in the inferno, and two more succumbed to their injuries later in the hospital.
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While the factory underwent restoration, the recent inspection by Minister Nxesi uncovered alarming conditions reminiscent of those preceding the fire.
As a result, the Department of Labour and Employment highlighted several infringements during the inspection, particularly concerning the employment practices within the company, which primarily hires undocumented Lesotho nationals.
Minister Nxesi identified the following violations:
- Inadequate ventilation in the factory working area, with a non-functional single air conditioner.
- Workers are accommodated and locked inside the factory.
- Employees receiving wages below the National Minimum Wage.
- Lack of essential amenities such as soap and tissue in workers’ restrooms.
- Absence of a designated eating area for workers.
- Workers sleeping in a poorly ventilated single room within the factory.
“During his interaction with the workers, Minister Nxesi was surprised to hear that the workers do not even know the name of their company as three names were mentioned,” said the Department.
Some workers allegedly had to be pulled from piles of clothing offcuts as they sought to evade the inspection team, fearing potential arrest. Acknowledging this, Minister Nxesi stated, “We do not fight workers; we want employers to respect our laws.”
In response to the company’s failure to comply with labour laws and regulations, the factory was issued with a prohibition notice, preventing employees from sleeping on the premises. Additionally, a contravention notice was issued for various violations, including the absence of an eating area, lack of first aiders, the absence of an electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC), no Health and Safety Representative, poor housekeeping, obstruction of fire equipment, and failure to provide soap and tissue in restrooms.
As the factory owners grapple with these multiple infringements, the community is invited to share their thoughts on this matter in the comment section below.
