04 Apr 2019

Ministry of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development has handled 7 173 cases of workers’ compensation from 2014 to date.

Minister Tshenolo Mabeo said of the cases, 4 908 were settled, leaving 2 265 cases pending.

The minister indicated that the delay in payment of workers’ compensation was due to a number of factors among them disputes on percentages of incapacity awarded by medical practitioners, failure by some employers to insure their workers resulting in delays when such employers were required to pay compensation, and closure or liquidation of companies before paying workers’ compensation.

In addition, Mr Mabeo said the appointment of the members of medical board was done in terms of Section 6 of the Workers’ Compensation Act in consultation with the minister responsible for health.

He said the function of the medical board was to determine medical disputes on degree of incapacity and such other medical questions arising in relation to any claim for compensation.

Mr Mabeo said the board comprised three doctors, one attorney and one person qualified and experienced in labour-related profession.

He added that currently the membership of one member of the board had elapsed and another member had resigned, pointing out that the process to replace the members was ongoing.

Moreover, he said plans to review the Workers’ Compensation Act were ongoing and that stakeholder consultations had been completed and instructions were being drafted for submission to the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Mr Mabeo said some of the steps that had been taken to address the problem of delayed payment of workers’ compensation included the review of the act to close gaps such as lack of enforcement of determinations on workers’ compensation benefits, delay in processing and payment of workers’ compensation as well as resolution of disputes pertaining to workers’ compensation.

He said another step taken was capacity building for medical doctors on workers’ compensation benefits, and intensifying public education in order to inform the public about issues pertaining to workers’ compensation.

Jwaneng-Mabutsane MP, Mr Shawn Ntlhaile had asked the minister to update Parliament on the status of compensation claims registered with the Labour Department since 2014.

He also wanted the minister to say the reasons for the delays in compensations, composition of the medical board, and whether there were plans to review the Workers’ Compensation Act.

Mr Ntlhaile also asked what steps were taken to address the problems. ENDS