POLOKWANE – The provincial communication officer for the Department of Employment and Labour, Lerato Mashamba said whistle blowers are protected when laying a complaint against their employer.

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Mashamba spoke to the Polokwane Review regarding the most contravened labour laws in Polokwane and said that despite receiving 216 labour law contravention claims in the past year, people are usually afraid to lose their jobs or afraid of being treated differently and therefore, do not lay complaints.

“Complainannts have the right to remain anonymous when lodging a complaint,” she said.

Mashamba says most of their complaints received are Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) as well as Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) related, which they’ve seen provincially too.

“To lay a complaint in regards to labour laws, visit your nearest labour centre between 7:30 to 16:00 Monday to Friday except for public holidays as the center will be closed,” she said.

Despite labour laws being technical and not in layman’s terms, Mashamba said those wanting to complain should contact their nearest labour center where a relevant official will assist depending on the complainants query.

“The provincial office inspection and enforcement services number is 015 290 1610/1609,” she said.