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GroundUp reports that the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has dismissed an urgent application by Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) on behalf of reclaimers and waste-pickers demanding recognition as essential service workers.
Between 60,000 and 90,000 waste-pickers are responsible for collecting 80 to 90% of used packaging and paper recycled in SA, according to a study. During the lockdown, reclaimers had hoped for permission to continue working. Louise du Plessis, from LHR, said they wanted limited movement for reclaimers on days that rubbish was usually collected in the areas where they operated. The organisation said in a statement that, although the fight against Covid-19 was important, care must be taken to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society did not suffer disproportionately. In her answering affidavit in court, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said: "The applicants' contention that they should be regarded as an essential service … is opportunistic." She added: "Presently the law prohibits that which the applicants want to do, i.e. the roaming of the streets freely with the risk of spreading the coronavirus" and that, regardless of protective measures, "not only will the applicants, but many other South Africans … be exposed to unnecessary risk. In some instances, the risk may involve the death of other South Africans.”
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jamaine Krige at News24
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page