COSATU North West disturbed by continued human rights abuse of farmworkers

The Congress of South African Trade Unions in the North West has been disturbed by human rights abuse meted against farmworkers who are allegedly having their area of stay exposed to pig’s stools by a farmer at Palmietfontein which is about 20 kilometres from Klerksdorp/Ventersdorp.

The farmer is draining the pigs’ stools around the community households. We have visited the area and witness this disturbing act of human rights violation which confirms that our people are treated like slaves.

The action of the Farmer is not just a violation of human rights but an extreme exploitation and oppression of our people.

The farmer has employed foreigners who are locked in his premises, and many of the workers are not registered and not paid accordingly.

He has dismissed many workers who raised concerns about their condition of employment. He has disconnected electricity and water for the community/workers but still deduct rental from their salaries.

The community has engaged with several authorities and the farmer about the condition they are living under but no one has taken them serious.

Cosatu in the Province has been lamenting that our people in the farms are treated like slaves and are extremely exploited by the farmers and this behaviour cannot be tolerated, and therefore we are calling upon AfriForum to speak out and condemn all these actions of farmers, who exploit our people.

We are also calling all relevant authorities to investigate this matter and drastic action be taken to those found violating the laws.

Cosatu with all relevant stakeholders/authorities will be meeting workers and community of Palmietfontein today, 05 February 2018.

We request all media houses to be present.

Issued by COSATU North West

For more information contact:

Job Dliso

COSATU North West Provincial Secretary

Cell: 082 463 1840/071 489 1384