Hon Chairperson, let me start off by drawing the attention of the Minister to the plight of the farm workers. I think - hon Minister - this should be looked into thoroughly because these people have long been suffering, there is a lot of exploitation that is happening there, unattended. The Department of Labour in its Annual Performance Plan sets a number of bold ambitions. It assesses the emerging trends in the labour market, going as far as listing them. These include Industrial action; Volatile labour market caused by exogenous factors such as currency valuations, price fluctuations and commodity trends; the noncompliance with legislative instruments by the employers; Health and safety breaches in the productive sectors such agriculture, mining, manufacturing; and the shortage of inspectors to enforce labour regulations.
The emerging theme in the plan is the bold steps the department will undertake to conduct more than 220 000 compliance inspections by
2020; serving 85% of noncompliant employers, served with notices in terms of the relevant employment law within 14 days of inspection then referring noncompliant employers who fail to comply after the expiry of served notices for prosecution within 30 days; and strengthening health and safety of workers through the enforcement of occupational health and safety regulations. This plan takes its cue from the National Development Plan, NDP, which by 2030 earmarks the creation of 11 million jobs. The plan says the department will work with the labour partners to achieve these targets by increasing workplace inspections; resolving workplace disputes to enhance healthy labour relations; by establishing safe work environments; also by supporting work seekers; and regulating the workplace to establish minimum working conditions and their labour practices. The Plan talks about the promulgation in 2015 of the Employment Services Act to regulate private employment agencies and temporary employment agencies. This was intended to regulate labour brokering, among others. So, this issue of labour brokers has long been a talk and people have been complaining about this but they are still continuing so our people a lot.
The department has already begun narrowing the wage inequality, one of the three challenges now facing our country. The minimum wage was
passed into law last year. [Time expired.] Thank you very much. We do support the Budget Vote. [Applause.]