MATSAPHA, Jun 9 (THE AFRICAN PORTAL) – Hundreds of employees of Wise and President Garments in Matsapha were shocked and devastated after receiving drastically reduced salaries last Friday.
Some workers took home as little as E200. The aggrieved workers alleged that management informed them that the salary cuts were necessitated by delays in the exportation of stock.
According to the employees, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, they ordinarily earn about E1 380 per month. However, when salaries were paid last Friday, many workers reportedly received amounts ranging from E200 to E300, far below what they had expected.
The workers said they were initially informed through their shop steward that they would receive half of their salaries due to challenges linked to delayed export shipments.
“We were first told that we would get half of our salaries because stock had not been exported on time. To our surprise, when the money was deposited, some of us got only E200,” alleged one of the workers.
The employees claimed that this was not the first time management had reduced their salaries. They alleged that previous deductions had seen workers receiving about E800, instead of their normal earnings.
Human Resource Manager Sabelo Mkhatjwa confirmed that the company experienced challenges with its orders, resulting in insufficient funds to pay salaries on time.
Mkhatjwa said management communicated the matter through the proper structures, including the workers’ committee, and informed employees that outstanding salaries were to be paid in full yesterday.
He stated that the company honoured its commitment and confirmed that all workers had received their full payments as of yesterday.
Mkhatjwa further explained that the temporary delay was caused by operational and financial constraints linked to order-related challenges faced by the company.
The workers said the latest development had plunged many families into financial distress.
“Most of us rent houses and have children to support. How do you survive on E200 for a whole month? We have transport costs, food to buy and rent to pay. We are suffering,” said another worker.
They accused the company of repeatedly using the delayed exportation of stock as justification whenever salaries were reduced.
“Every time salaries are cut, we are told about delayed exports. It has become a common explanation and yet our lives continue to get worse,” alleged one employee.
The workers said they had, on several occasions, reported their concerns to the Department of Labour in Manzini, but claimed that little had changed.
Govt to crack down on labour law violators
MATSAPHA – The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has announced plans to intensify prosecutions against employers who violate labour laws, warning that cases will soon be brought before magistrates courts across the country.
Labour Commissioner Kingdom Mamba said the ministry would strengthen enforcement measures, beginning in July 2026 as part of efforts to address growing levels of non-compliance with labour legislation.
The announcement comes amid increasing complaints from workers in various sectors regarding unpaid wages, delayed salaries and other alleged labour law violations.
Mamba said employers who persistently disregard labour laws would face legal action.
According to the labour commissioner, the ministry had identified a number of recurring violations that would be prioritised during the enforcement drive.
These include failure to pay wages in accordance with applicable wage regulations, delayed payment of salaries and wages, failure to issue payslips and failure to insure employees as required by law.
Mamba said the ministry would also target employers who fail to provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers.
He said employers who fail to deduct and remit contributions to the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) and those who fail to provide employees with written particulars of employment would also face prosecution.
“The ministry will intensify enforcement measures and initiate legal proceedings against employers who persistently violate labour laws,” said Mamba.
The labour commissioner said the ministry was concerned by the increasing number of cases involving labour law violations.
He stated that employers had a legal obligation to comply with labour legislation at all times.
Mamba said the planned prosecutions were intended to ensure adherence to laws designed to protect workers and regulate employment conditions.
Credit: Times of Eswatini
