Sonja Vorster
For the entire year, we have been hearing words like “caution”, “save”, “do not make more debt” and “#PayBackTheMoney”.
When the festive season arrives and knocks on the front door, CAUTION seems to leave by the back door. Regret with an empty wallet arrives just after the jubilation of another New Year’s celebration.
Very few, if any, can afford the increases that come on a monthly basis, such as higher electricity tariffs, food prices, petrol prices and school fees, to mention but a few increases that are around the corner.
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The National Minimum Wage Act 2018 provided some form of relief to lower-income employees. But the increase expected will be minimal in January 2020. If we look at the indication of increases that came into effect on August 1, 2019, in the Retail & Wholesale sector, which increased from R20 an hour to R20.26 an hour, it is clear that the increases will be minimal. Very few companies are even able to provide increases.
Rather than face unemployment and retrenchment, employees, unions and employers need to take extra time and a calm approach to demands being tabled. Employers who cannot afford increases need to apply for exemption now to ensure that planning and budgeting is possible for 2020.
This is vital, as no mercy will be shown by the Department of Employment & Labour if you, as an employer, fail to adhere to the National Minimum Wage determinations.
The fines, as previously cautioned, are extremely high and payable within seven days after the issue of the fine, with no option of review.
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Our community has encountered massive job losses and many families are expecting an even bleaker festive season. The effects of factory closures and reduction of work forces of other companies will have a ripple effect for a long period of time.
Many men and women are completely reliant on UIF, as the job market is not offering much opportunity at present. Once the UIF benefits run out, nothing is left as a safety net.
Therefore, caution must be taken. Do not be tempted by the wonderful promises of ‘Black Friday’ savings… The wonderful atmosphere, music, jingling of bells and whistles in the stores and malls that tempt you to just spend money you do not have. Take care not to fall for the loans with promises of only having to pay first instalment in February 2020. When February arrives, you may not have the security of an income.
If you have any extra cash, pay extra on any debt you have left. Provide for January 2020 when school fees become due. Look at ways you can still enjoy the season, but make it enjoyable by not having to stress by not spending money on luxuries or extra food and alcohol.
You will have more to celebrate when you do not have anxiety attacks in the New Year and better job prospects.
Take absolute care with your safety, as many are unemployed and many have resorted to petty and serious crime. Be disciplined this year. Curtail spending. Tighten your belts. Educate your children that they can enjoy the simple things in life without big price tags.
Enjoy being home rather than away on holiday. Start enjoying the simple things in life rather than trying to buy happiness with money you can rather use to make your life easier in the New Year.
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