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The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) issued a statement on Wednesday noting that, while the national minimum wage (NMW) will be hiked from 1 March in line with new regulations issued by Department of Employment & Labour (DEL) Minister Nomakhosazana Meth, no provision was made for the legal requirement of a 21-day period for public comment.
“The fault here primarily lies with Minister Meth’s department, which has failed to make it clear, either in the Government Gazette or in its public statements, that the period for public comment on the NMW adjustment should still be open. Furthermore, not only has this crucial fact not been properly communicated, but Minister Meth has failed to provide any channel for the public to use to submit written comment on the draft regulations. The combined effect is to shut down legally required public participation,” the IRR argued. It noted that the Minister’s conduct was in direct contradiction of the duty imposed by the NMW Act. The IRR maintained that in this particular case, the public must be allowed 21 days to comment on Minister Meth’s draft proposal to hike the NMW by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1.4%. IRR Legal has written to Minister Meth requesting that she urgently publish a revised draft of the regulations to comply with the law. This must include a clear invitation for public comment, details of the channels the public can use to submit their comments, and confirmation that such comments can be made within at least 21 days of the publication of the lawfully corrected draft.
- Read the IRR’s media statement in the above regard at IRR News
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