Daily Voice reports that Schalk Burger Snr, father of Springbok rugby player Schalk Burger, has lashed out at his farmworkers after he was exposed for allegedly underpaying them.  

In a shocking recorded rant, he called one farmworker “mal (crazy)” for suggesting he pay them a minimum wage.  He also told his workers he would pay them “as he sees fit”.  The 28-minute recording was secretly made by a worker.  On Thursday, four Department of Labour inspectors arrived at Burger’s wine estate, Welbedacht in Wellington, to investigate the workers’ claims.  Burger has also been accused of unfair labour practices as he only pays workers for the amount of grapes they pick – and not hours worked.  The labour department confirmed this was in contravention of the law, which states that all farmworkers – casual or permanent – must not be paid less than minimum wage.  Burger is accused of having paid six of his workers between R42 and R94 wages for last week.  According to labour laws, the minimum wage for farmworkers is R641.32 per week, or R128 for a nine-hour day.

• Read this report by Genevieve Serra in full at Daily Voice

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