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WATCH: Sock shock in Chrisville

High levels of youth unemployment are no excuse for the exploitation of young workers, says Clr Rashieda Landis.

WARD 55 Clr Rashieda Landis, Department of Labour inspectors, City of Joburg urban inspectors, JMPD and Booysens SAPS officers, local political party members and the COURIER descended on a sock factory in Chrisville on November 1.

FEEDBACK: Clr Rashieda Landis talking to one of the employees. *Photo: Lucky Thusi

The factory, which is owned by Chinese nationals, is under the spotlight for alleged ill-treatment of employees.

WATCH:

Among the grievances raised by the factory’s employees are alleged poor salaries, unsafe working conditions, exploitation and long working hours, extending to shifts of 13 hours. They say they are allowed only one lunch break, which they have to take inside the factory, only being allowed to step outside once their shifts have ended.

CONCERNED: Thabo Tsolo from the Golekane Movement, who called the COURIER to the factory. *Photo: Lucky Thusi

One employee who asked to remain anonymous said they had tried every avenue to remedy the situation with their employers, but every plea fell on deaf ears. “I mean, last month I was paid R592.02. What can I do with that kind of money a month? These people are only interested in mass production.

“I remember how happy we were to finally find jobs, but this is pathetic to say the least,” the employee continued. “I live in Soweto and I spend my most of my salary on transport, and then I’m left with a mere R100. We are suffering here. It is hot inside the factory and there is not enough ventilation. Products are delivered here and we only put stickers that says made in South Africa, what’s that?” she asked.

Landis said that exploitation of young employees was unacceptable. “I understand the youth is unemployed and vulnerable, but I cannot allow this to happen on my watch. Are they [the factory owners] even paying taxes? A thorough investigation is needed here,” she said.

WATCH:

Thabo Tsolo from the Golekane Movement said Department of Labour inspectors should visit all the factories in the area to check whether there were irregularities. “Some of these factories are dodging taxes. Our government is not benefiting because they do not collect tax from them. And for the exploitation, I do not agree with it,” he said.

EMPLOYEES: Shendro Maziena, Savan Matoe, Janine Forbay, Celeste Maziena and Zeacole Russell. *Photo: Lucky Thusi

Department of Labour inspector Happy Ntsoko said they would proceed with an investigation, after which the department’s spokesperson would be available to share their findings.

WATCH:

The COURIER approached the factory owners for comment, but they do not speak English, and no other spokesperson was available. The COURIER will keep our readers updated.

MAKESHIFT BED: Some of the employees sleep in the factory. *Photo: Lucky Thusi
FINAL PRODUCT: An employee shows off one the factory’s socks. *Photo: Lucky Thusi
LIVING WAGE? The monthly salary allegedly paid to one of the factory’s employees. *Photo: Lucky Thusi
INVENTORY: The finished products (socks), which are allegedly delivered and then labelled with stickers stating that they are made in South Africa. *Photo: Lucky Thusi

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