EWN reports that workers at several horse stables in Randjespark, Midrand, north of Johannesburg, have downed tools over alleged poor working conditions.  

A memorandum of grievances, drawn up by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), demands better pay, employment contracts and protective gear against the horses.  The workers have also demanded minimum wages, fair employment practices and decent working hours.  EFF counsellor Ephraem Mothemi said the conditions were unacceptable and added:  “These people have worked here for a long time and they don’t even have a single benefit.  If they get injured, they just take them to a hospital a leave them like that.  Sometimes they don’t take to a hospital.  When you die here they give your R500.”  Mothemi called on the horse racing body, Phumelela, to intervene.  Meanwhile, the stable owner said stables were owned individually with each owner having different working conditions.

• Read this report by Ahmed Kajee in full at EWN

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