Group of women farmworkers march in CT against unfair labour practices at WC commercial farms
They marched to the Department of Employment and Labour to address what they classed as 'non-compliance' by commercial farmers with labour legislation.
Farmworkers marched in the Cape Town CBD on 13 May 2025 against unfair labour practices at commercial farms in the Western Cape. Picture: Ntuthuzelo Nene/EWN
CAPE TOWN - A group of women farmworkers marched in the Cape Town CBD on Tuesday against unfair labour practices at commercial farms in the Western Cape.
They marched to the Department of Employment and Labour to address what they classed as "non-compliance" by commercial farmers with labour legislation.
Women farmworkers from different rural towns in the Western Cape accused the department of ignoring labour rights violations by commercial farm employers.
The seasonal farmworkers, under the banner of Women on Farms Project, also complained about the lack of inspections on their respective farms.
Women on Farms Project convener, Daniel Samuel, added that most workers were also falling ill due to pesticide exposure.
"We’ve referred two matters where workers have been exposed in the De Doorns area to the department of Employment and Labour. They dismally failed to speak to the complainants."
They called on the department to launch immediate and full investigations into these cases.