Day: September 21, 2021

All parties interested in the annual review of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for 2022 have until 1 October 2021 to submit written representations concerning possible adjustments.

The Department of Employment and Labour said in a statement that these representations will be considered by the National Minimum Wage Commission before it publishes its annual report, and recommendations on the annual review of the national minimum wage later in the year.

The NMW Act of 2018 enjoins the NMW Commission to annually review rates and make recommendations to the Employment and Labour Minister on any adjustment to the National Minimum Wage, while also reflecting on alternative views, including those of the public.

In February, Minister Thulas Nxesi announced that the National Minimum Wage for each ordinary hour worked has been increased from R20.76 to R21.69 for the year 2021, with effect from 1 March 2021.

The department said in terms of the NMW Act of 2018, the policy instrument is a floor level below which no employee should be paid.

“It is illegal and an unfair labour practice for an employer to unilaterally alter hours of work or other conditions of employment in implementing the NMW. The NMW is the amount payable for the ordinary hours of work and does not include payment of allowances (such as transport, tools, food or accommodation), payments in kind (boarding or lodging), tips, bonuses and gifts.

“In considering the annual adjustment, the NMW Commission takes into account the following factors: inflation, the cost of living, and the need to retain the value of the minimum wage; gross domestic product; wage levels and collective bargaining outcomes; productivity; ability of employers to carry on their businesses successfully; the operation of small, medium or micro-enterprises and new enterprises; likely impact of the recommendation adjustment on employment or the creation of employment.”

Interested parties are requested to send their comments and representations should reach the directorate: Employment Standards, Department of Employment and Labour, Private Bag X117, Pretoria, 0001 or be sent to [email protected] by 1 October 2021.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has thanked the German government for removing South Africa from the COVID-19 red list.

This means that the country is no longer deemed as a “high risk” nation and that all vaccinated travellers from South Africa no longer need to have an “explanation” for purpose of entry and that locals can now visit Germany, subject to passport validity and a Schengen visa.

The department has since welcomed the move, saying it will help boost tourism sector recovery targets.

“This is great news for South Africans who travel for leisure and business. We are looking forward to welcoming back the German tourists to South Africa,” said Sisulu.

According to the department, Germany has been in South Africa’s top five overseas markets and said this decision will go a long way in recovering the market losses suffered due to the pandemic and rebuilding the market.

“We thank the German government for this progressive and scientific decision that contributes directly to the efforts to recover the tourism sector.”

September is Tourism Month and the department believes the announcement could not have come at a better time when the Minister is hosting the continent tourism sector at the hybrid Africa Travel and Tourism Summit in Johannesburg, Durban and Lagos, virtually.

“This announcement comes shortly after Emirates announced that they have increased their schedule to 28 weekly flights by October. This is a big boost to our tourism industry and this will see more people travelling for both leisure and business,” Sisulu added.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Deputy President David Mabuza will on Wednesday go back to the Moqhaka Local Municipality in the Free State to engage with stakeholders to address the cause of the pollution of the Vaal River.

The Deputy Minister, in his capacity as the chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Water and Sanitation, also aims to make sure corrective measures are implemented to restore the functionality of the Kroonstad Waste Water Treatment Plant.

“The visit will also ensure that proper infrastructure maintenance and operation systems are put in place to avoid any further sewage leakage into the Integrated Vaal River System,” his office said on Tuesday.

This follows his recent travel to the Northern Cape and Free State on 10 September 2021 where he assessed the extent of pollution in the river system as well as water and sanitation-related issues in both provinces.

According to the statement, this is in line with the terms of reference of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Water and Sanitation, as appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa early this year.

His role entails providing overall political leadership and oversight on the implementation of interventions to support the Emfuleni Local Municipality in resolving the pollution of the Vaal River.

The Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo and the Moqhaka Local Municipality Mayor, Councillor Mpho Chakane, will accompany the Deputy President.

Source: South African Government News Agency