The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), established to “advance economic development, social justice, labour peace, and the democratisation of the workplace,” is facing mounting pressure due to ongoing budget cuts and underfunding. These constraints have resulted in a growing caseload and significant backlogs, delaying the scheduling of hearings and limiting access to justice for vulnerable workers.
This was the focus of a discussion and protest hosted by the Women on Farms Project (WFP) at Ashley Kriel Hall in Cape Town. The event brought together farm women and stakeholders to highlight the impact of these challenges, particularly on rural workers. The programme included a discussion with CCMA Operational Manager Colleen West and Aliya Chikte from the Alternative Information and Development Centre, followed by a march to the Department of Employment and Labour.
WFP Labour Rights Programme Coordinator Denile Samuel outlined the barriers faced by farm workers, noting that “women, and especially farm worker women, live on farms and there are no CCMA offices close by. The only office is in Cape Town, which makes it extremely difficult for women to access the CCMA.” She added that while online systems exist, “it’s hard for women without access to the internet, data, and a smartphone to go online and submit a referral.”
Samuel further highlighted delays, stating that some cases take “more than a year before the matter is set down to be heard by a commissioner.” She said the shift to online hearings is “quite intimidating” and often inaccessible, undermining dignity and delaying closure for dismissed workers.
Following the protest, a memorandum of demands will be submitted to Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth, CCMA Executive Director Mpumelelo Nconco, and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, calling for urgent intervention and improved resourcing of the CCMA.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
Photo: Pixabay
