![[South Africa] NPOs supporting disabled workers cannot pay minimum wage](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2358/5863/articles/bigstock-Group-of-diversity-people-volu-177638851_1200x.jpg?v=1552039973)
The new national minimum wage legislation, guaranteeing workers a minimum wage of R20 per hour, has created difficulties for disabled workers employed in the social welfare service sector, the Cape Times reports.
At present there are estimated to be more than 15,000 non-profit organisations (NPOs) providing social welfare services across South Africa. With many more Department of Health funded groups doing the same. Many of these organisations are unable to support a wage of R20 per hour because they do not have sufficient funding.
A large number of welfare workers are now working illegally, as the act has come into effect while they continue to earn less than the R20 minimum. The welfare sector is calling for an expert panel to be appointed by the government to look into these matters. Their hope is to phase in the minimum wage over a longer period of time to allow these organisations to continue their work.
With two welfare workshops already closed down for breaches of the legislation, Minister of Labour Mildred Oliphant has been asked to look at an amendment to counter the effect the minimum wage has on NPOs. Welfare groups hope that such an investigation will determine when organisations will be in a position to pay the increase.
The Department of Labour has not yet responded to the request.
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The new national minimum wage legislation, guaranteeing workers a minimum wage of R20 per hour, has created difficulties for disabled workers employed in the social welfare service sector, the Cape Times reports.
At present there are estimated to be more than 15,000 non-profit organisations (NPOs) providing social welfare services across South Africa. With many more Department of Health funded groups doing the same. Many of these organisations are unable to support a wage of R20 per hour because they do not have sufficient funding.
A large number of welfare workers are now working illegally, as the act has come into effect while they continue to earn less than the R20 minimum. The welfare sector is calling for an expert panel to be appointed by the government to look into these matters. Their hope is to phase in the minimum wage over a longer period of time to allow these organisations to continue their work.
With two welfare workshops already closed down for breaches of the legislation, Minister of Labour Mildred Oliphant has been asked to look at an amendment to counter the effect the minimum wage has on NPOs. Welfare groups hope that such an investigation will determine when organisations will be in a position to pay the increase.
The Department of Labour has not yet responded to the request.
OTHER STORIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU
South Africa passes national minimum wage
South Africa introduces controversial national minimum wage
