A local construction worker’s recent Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) victory has brought renewed attention to the treatment of employees on large development projects in the area, particularly those linked to government-subsidised housing initiatives.

Abel Ofentse Thlapi, from Wheatlands, claimed he was unfairly suspended without pay by the company that hired him to work on the Dan Tloome Mega City Project – one of Randfontein’s biggest housing developments.

The Dan Tloome development, built in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements, aims to provide affordable housing for the Randfontein community. However, the case has prompted local concerns about fair labour practices and the need for greater oversight of subcontractors involved in such projects.

• Also read: Dan Tloome housing project in the spotlight yet again

Thlapi, who worked as a general labourer earning R200 a day, claimed he was verbally suspended in April 2024, after his employer lost a contract. He noted that on August 4, he was requested to return to work but refused because he had not been paid during the suspension period.

In December, the CCMA ruled that the suspension was unfair and ordered that he be paid about R13 000. The award was certified under section 143 of the Labour Relations Act, making it legally binding and enforceable.

Despite this ruling, Thlapi said he has yet to receive the money. He has since launched a petition calling for tighter labour oversight, transparency, and accountability from subcontractors in the construction sector.

His demands include:

• closing non-compliant subcontractors
• investigating alleged irregularities
• ensuring accountability
• protecting workers’ rights
• implementing measures to prevent further misconduct
• providing public updates on the outcomes of such investigations

“These injustices affect our lives as workers in Randfontein,” Thlapi said. “Our rights are trampled, and our voices seem drowned out.”

• Also read: More concerns over Dan Tloome mega housing project

Attempts were made to reach the company for comment on July 15 and 21, and November 4. However, no response had been received at the time of print. Their feedback will be published once available.

Residents can view the petition here.

The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements spokesperson, Tahir Sema, confirmed that while the department is aware of Thlapi’s case, it is not directly involved in employer-employee disputes.

“The department will not intervene in matters that fall within the jurisdiction of labour relations authorities,” he said, encouraging anyone with information about corruption in the housing sector to contact EthicsDHS@gauteng.gov.za.

• Also read: LETTER: What are we paying for? – Dan Tloome resident

Ariobex, Factes Africa, and Maximum Group – companies associated with the project – each provided responses distancing themselves from the matter:

• Maximum Group stated that the issue was between the worker and a subcontractor
• Ariobex said it had no contractual or business relationship with the company in question
• Factes Africa confirmed a previous relationship with the subcontractor but denied any wrongdoing

Community members have described the case as a reminder that stronger worker protections are essential for Randfontein’s growing development sector.

The Randfontein Herald will continue to follow the story and update readers as new information emerges.