PIGG’S PEAK: Mbongiseni Zikalala, who was dismissed by Rocklands Sawmill shortly after losing his fingers while in his line of duty, has, through his lawyers Mamba Attorneys, reported the matter, to the Office of the Commissioner of Labour under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
This comes after the employee was compensated with a mere ten thousand Rands (10,000.00) despite the gravity and seriousness of his injuries
Speaking to this Swaziland News on Monday, Zikalala referred comments to his lawyers but confirmed reporting the matter to the Ministry of Labour.
“I hope the matter will be resolved soon," said the former Rocklands Sawmill worker.
Rocklands Sawmill Manager Martin Motsa did not respond at the time of compiling this report.
On another note, Kingdom Mamba, the Commissioner of Labour wrote a letter earlier this month to the Sawmill Company summoning them in a meeting on Tuesday at the Ministry's office.
“The office of the Commissioner of Labour is in receipt of a request for intervention in terms of Section 82 of the Industrial Relations Act, No. 1 of 2000, as Amended, by applicant, Mr Mbongiseni Zikalala through his Mamba Attorneys letter dates 4th September, 2023(here attached). Kindly be informed that the office of the Commissioner will be intervening in this matter and therefore, parties are hereby invited to attend as follows," reads the letter in part written by the Commissioner of Labour to the Rocklands Sawmill Manager.
Reached for comments Wander Mkhonza, the Secretary General of the Almalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland (ATUSWA) said, he salutes Mbongiseni for standing up for his right.
“I salute Mbongiseni for standing up for his right.He should push the matter to the end.We are here to support as well.Exploiting and undermining workers should be condemned by any means necessary," said the ATUSWA Secretary General.
Commissioner of Labour intervenes as Rocklands SawMill refuses to compensate Mbongseni Zikalala who was injured, lost fingers on duty.