Anti-racism group challenges farmworker’s ‘unfair’ dismissal

THE ANTI-Racism Advocacy of South Africa (ARASA) is challenging the dismissal and alleged exploitation of a Kimberley farmworker who was reportedly left stranded along the side of the road.

The farmworker, Motsamai Kabudu, said that he was granted sick leave and went home to recuperate in Petrusburg earlier this month, only to be “chased away” upon his return to the farm.

“I reported for duty after taking a week’s sick leave and I discovered that someone else had been appointed in my place. I was instructed to collect my belongings and was told to immediately leave the farm. I was transported on the back of a bakkie and was dropped off at the traffic circle on the Douglas road on February 2, without a cent to my name,” said Kabudu.

He stated that he had been employed at the livestock and game farm for the past two years.

“I was earning a salary of R3,000. I am the sole breadwinner in the family and I have children to feed and school fees. No reasons were provided for my dismissal.”

Since then, Kabudu has remained in Kimberley while searching for work.

“Had it not been for my brother-in-law, who has accommodated me in Greenpoint, I would have been forced to sleep in the street.”

ARASA founder Patrick Maphosa stated that he had assisted Kabudu to register a case of unfair dismissal with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

“Kabudu was dismissed without a disciplinary hearing or severance package. He was dropped off, in the back of the bakkie, while the farm owner’s dog was seated in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. We are awaiting a date for the labour hearing,” said Maphosa.

He stated that Kabudu was entitled to outstanding payments in the region of R50,000.

“Workers are paid below the minimum wage, do not have any sick leave and work from 5am until 7pm daily. They do not receive any overtime payment, bonuses or leave. No unemployment insurance funds are being paid and workers are not afforded the necessary personal protection equipment.”

Maphosa claimed that racism and the exploitation of workers were commonplace in the agricultural sector.

“Racism is deeply rooted and workers are still treated like slaves in their own country, especially on farms. Some of them are assaulted on a regular basis by their bosses and workers dare not report the abuse for fear of losing their work.

“We have to stop this kind of behaviour. Farmers must also obey the laws of this country or rather take up President Donald Trump’s offer and move to America,” he said.

The farm owner could not be reached for comment.