Angry workers accuse company allegedly contracted to PRASA in Western Cape of mistreatment! The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is currently entangled in a wage dispute involving a contractor, Diphatse Trading and Projects, and a group of contract workers.
The workers, who were hired to help refurbish a critical train line, allege they have faced months of non-payment and unfulfilled promises, leaving many feeling frustrated and betrayed.
Unpaid Workers Speak Out
The dispute came to light after contract workers involved in the restoration of the central railway line between Nyanga and Stock Road in Cape Town reported they had not received their full salaries for October.
These workers were employed by Diphatse Trading and Projects, a company reportedly contracted by PRASA to assist with station refurbishments as part of a broader infrastructure project.
Workers explained that Diphatse Trading and Projects initially hired them in September 2022 to assist with refurbishing train stations on the central line.
This work coincided with “Operation Bhekela,” an intergovernmental initiative aimed at relocating families who were living along railway lines to ensure safety and restore normal train services.
About 40 individuals from the Philippi and Stock Road areas were recruited to participate in the refurbishment, which included tasks such as clearing tracks and repairing facilities.
Accusations of Unkept Promises
Nolukhanyo Sombexe, a community liaison officer for the project, has become a spokesperson for the aggrieved workers. According to Sombexe, Diphatse Trading and Projects made several commitments to the workers, including the assurance of continued employment until all refurbishment work from Nyanga to Khayelitsha stations was completed.
However, this promise was allegedly not upheld, as many workers found themselves suddenly without work and unpaid for their efforts.
Sombexe expressed dismay over recent reports suggesting that Diphatse Trading and Projects intends to recruit new workers from the Khayelitsha area, despite having left current workers from the Philippi and Stock Road communities unpaid.
She explained that Khayelitsha residents had previously worked on the Nyanga-to-Stock Road project alongside the Philippi and Stock Road teams, and the decision to recruit new workers without addressing past payment issues has created resentment.
“The company says it doesn’t have money,” Sombexe stated, “but we’ve found out that they are going to work with Khayelitsha people. They worked with us, but now we’re being left behind.”
History of Non-Payment Complaints
This is not the first time Diphatse Trading and Projects has faced criticism over payment issues.
Sombexe recounted that in 2022, workers signed a three-month contract with the company covering the period from September to November. However, despite fulfilling their duties, the workers were reportedly only paid for one month of work.
“We worked with them for one month, and then they disappeared without paying us for October and November,” Sombexe stated.
The lack of payment has led to significant financial strain for many of the workers, who depend on these wages to support their families. The workers expressed that they feel exploited and ignored by the company, and they are now calling on PRASA to intervene.
PRASA’s Response to the Allegations
PRASA, which oversees railway operations and manages rail infrastructure in South Africa, acknowledged the allegations and confirmed that it is investigating the matter.
A spokesperson for PRASA said the organization is aware of the complaints raised by the workers and is committed to ensuring a fair resolution.
However, details on PRASA’s next steps or any planned enforcement actions against Diphatse Trading and Projects have not yet been disclosed.
The allegations, if verified, could lead to a broader investigation into contractor practices within PRASA projects, as well as possible legal or regulatory action against Diphatse Trading and Projects.
Broader Implications for Contract Workers on Government Projects
This case underscores the challenges that contract workers often face on large-scale government and infrastructure projects in South Africa.
Many of these workers, who come from underserved communities, are vulnerable to exploitation due to limited job security and reliance on short-term contracts.
Non-payment or delayed payment on these projects can lead to significant financial hardships, impacting not only the workers but also their families and communities.
Labor advocates argue that more stringent oversight is needed to protect contract workers, particularly on government projects. They call for stronger regulatory enforcement to ensure companies fulfill their obligations and fair treatment of all employees.
The Path Forward: Awaiting Resolution
As PRASA continues its investigation, the affected workers remain hopeful for a resolution that will result in full payment for their efforts and greater transparency in how future contracts are handled.
They are calling on PRASA to enforce accountability on contractors like Diphatse Trading and Projects and ensure that similar issues are avoided in future projects.
The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for contract worker rights and fair treatment on government infrastructure projects across the country.
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