Some farmworker unions have called on government to enforce the country’s labour laws in the agricultural sector, amid claims that many farmers are flouting legislation.
Eyewitness News reports that the Western Cape Justice Department hosted a three-day farmworker rights programme in Cape Town to discuss wages and workers' living conditions.
In 2012 and 2013, thousands of farmworkers took to the streets over a period of three months to protest for better wages and living conditions.
The Mayibuye Land Rights Forum’s Mercia Andrews says since the protests, farmers have become more aggressive and workers’ rights are being ignored.
She said workers who join unions face victimisation.
Andrews says workers have lost faith in government’s ability to improve their lives.
Provincial Justice Chief, Hishaam Mohamed says however, government has launched initiatives to protect farmworkers, and a two-year plan will be implemented.
