1844. THE MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT REPLIES:
1(a)
The Working on Fire (WoF) Programme is one of the initiatives of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). It contributes to maintaining ecologically acceptable fire regimes within fire-prone biomes of the country and protection for the country’s economy from the damages caused by veld & forest (wildland) fires. The DFFE implements the WoF Programme based on the Government’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) model. The WoF Programme recruits EPWP participants who undergo a vigorous 24 day training programme, consisting of:
Basic Fire Fighting skills.2(a)
WoF Programme Fire Fighters are employed under the conditions of the EPWP, and stipends are accordingly determined.
The Minister of Labour in consultation with NEDLAC issued an amended Code of Good Practice for EPWP in terms of the Ministerial Determination. In this Determination, it is agreed upon to reduce unemployment, which is one of the greatest challenges facing South Africa. The government has undertaken several initiatives to address unemployment and poverty, including the labour-intensive EPWP, funded by the government. The programme includes the acquisition of skills either through accredited or experiential training, which forms an integral part of the EPWP. The Code provides guidelines for the protection of workers engaged in EPWP, taking into account the need for workers to have basic rights, the objectives of the programmes and the resources implications for the government.
Employers must pay workers at least the minimum rate as stipulated in the Ministerial Determination on EPWP. Workers are paid for the number of tasks completed. Fire-fighters are paid at a daily rate. The fire fighters are also paid a training allowance in the event they are required to attend agreed training programmes. The training allowance should be equal to 100% of the daily rate. The EPWP wage is approved by the Department of Public Works, annually.
The current approved rate for 2021/2022 financial year is R122.05 per day per 8 hours worked. This can change depending on the skills and range of job types that form part of the WoF Programme EPWP participants., e.g. a Fire Fighter that is required to have a chainsaw operating qualification is paid R136.85 per day for 8 hours of work.
2(b) Structural Fire Fighters are remunerated according to the Municipal grading and can start from
+/-R10 000.00 per month excluding benefits such as:
Shifts are as follows:
MS B D CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
DATE: .