During the first half of the 2025/2026 financial year, inspection and enforcement services inspected 187 government buildings, said departmental spokesperson Teboho Thejane. “Alarmingly, 129 facilities were found non-compliant, with 29 issued prohibition notices due to immediate safety risks.”

Departmental officials intend to strengthen follow-up inspections and enforce stricter compliance deadlines. The most affected facilities include clinics, schools, social development offices, police stations, and municipal buildings.

These will remain a priority as the department pushes for urgent repairs to leaking roofs, collapsing ceilings, unsafe wiring, and a lack of water supply. Non-functioning sanitation facilities and structurally compromised walls will also be addressed.

“The extent of non-compliance we have recorded is alarming,” added Thejane. “Many of these facilities, particularly clinics, schools, and municipal offices, show serious signs of neglect.

“These conditions not only endanger employees but also compromise the safety of community members who depend on these services. Corrective measures must be taken immediately to safeguard lives.”

Provincial chief inspector Manelisi Luxande said government departments will be expected to demonstrate measurable improvement by the next review period. Inspectors are preparing for increased enforcement, including additional prohibition notices, if non-compliance continues.

Over the coming months, the department will intensify its engagements with relevant departments and introduce stricter monitoring mechanisms to ensure safer workplaces for employees and the public.

Two weeks ago, the department led an enforcement session at Hangda Steel, a steel manufacturing company in Thaba Nchu. This engagement followed unannounced inspections conducted at the company in August, which were triggered by a worker’s complaint.

Serious compliance failures

The initial inspection, led by deputy minister of employment and labour Jomo Sibiya, uncovered several instances of non-compliance, including unsafe working conditions, a lack of registration with the Unemployment Insurance Fund and Compensation Fund, and the underpayment of employees for hours worked.

“The conditions we have observed during inspections are deeply concerning and, in some instances, pose an immediate danger to both employees and members of the public,” said Thejane.

“We urge all departments to take swift and decisive action to correct these deficiencies. Failure to do so will leave our inspectors no choice but to enforce compliance through prohibition notices or other legal means.”

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh