Working to provide for and support their family is a dream any man cherishes and aspires to. Society has placed this responsibility on the shoulders of men the world over and those who are unable to live up to this standard are looked at as good-for-nothings or layabouts.
This is indeed a responsibility not to be taken lightly and in these tough financial times many men through no fault of their own-miss the mark.
Ishmael Pelle (54) suffered an injury at work after having been in the company’s employ for 13 years and has, to date, not received any compensation for the injury he sustained.
He said that he was injured while working at the Mothlakeng Kitchen building in Roodepoort. According to Pelle, he sustained an injury on his lower leg which resulted in the muscle being torn.
As a result of the injury, he experiences severe pain and has been unable to secure permanent employment. Pelle said, “I worked for that company for 13 years but they do not want to pay me.”
“The owner of the company agreed that I would be paid after I was injured but that has not happened yet.”
Pelle is a father of five whose children rely on him to support them financially but he has found the going tough as he is unemployed and is unable to put food on the table to support them.
He said that he applied for a disability grant which was turned down.
“I also went to the Regional Parliamentary Constituency Office seeking assistance relating to the claim of compensation following the injury.
“They gave me a letter confirming that I should get paid but still I am where I am without receiving a cent,” said Pelle.
Pelle’s journey has been a lengthy one. According to him, he has consulted attorneys based in Commissioner Street who let him down as well saying that his case held no water.
Pelle lives in a shack with his family in a poverty-stricken area and is pleading with anyone who could help him with a claim to come forward and assist as he can’t-do anything for himself and his family.
He further said that he was not the only one who was abandoned by the company after suffering an on-the-job injury.
“There are more than 13 of us who got injured in the workplace and the owner of the company always denies knowing us. Others who were deserted are already dead now.
“Some got injured like me, others got their fingers cut by the machines and others were harmed by the smoke and suffered from TB,” said Pelle.
Attempts to reach Motlhakeng Kitchens were unsuccessful as the contact details provided by Pelle were no longer in use.
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