The Minister of Labour, Mildred Oliphant, and KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala will host an Imbizo with workers in the textile and chemical industries in KwaSithebe (Mandeni) on Saturday 23 July 2016.

Earlier this year, Isithebe was marred by violent protests that saw factories, trucks and public property being torched. Various issues were raised as having sparked these protests like long hours of work, menial salaries that are below the Sectoral Determinations, victimisations, illegal businesses and other labour and economic challenges.

The Imbizo is part of further engagements that both the combined spheres of government have been persistently holding with the workers and businesses around the country. This area has been identified as one of the focal points wherein officials from these government spheres will be inspecting and monitoring. This is done with the view of finding solutions to the challenges and concerns that have beset the workers.

Details of the Imbizo are as follows:

Date: Saturday, 23 July 2016
Time: 8:30
Venue:  KwaSithebe (Emakhempini).

Enquiries:
Lungelo Mkamba
Cell: 079 889 0719
Email: Lungelo.mkamba@labour.gov.za

Sithembele Tshwete
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 071 675 9849
Email: Sithembele.tshwete@labour.gov.za

Siyabonga Maphumulo
KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
Cell: 082 330 5132
Email: Siyabonga.maphumulo@kznedta.gov.za