On Friday, 22 August 2025, the Department of Employment and Labour's Compensation Fund hosted the Farm Employers Workshop on COIDA Compliance in De Doorns, Western Cape.

The objective of the workshop was to educate Farm Employers on COIDA compliance in the Agricultural Sector. The workshop was attended by farm employers based in the Western Cape.

Andre Bloem, representing Agri Western Cape, informed the audience that they are appreciative of the partnership with the Department of Employment and Labour's Compensation Fund as it provides protection to employers against litigations.

The workshop provided an opportunity for Farm Employers in the Western Cape to directly engage with the Fund. At the session, representatives from the Compensation Fund presented to farm employers the overview of the Compensation Fund, Rehabilitation, Reintegration and Return to Work and Medical Benefits.

The Compensation Fund's Employer Services Directorate presented on obligations of an employer that highlighted registering an employee with the Compensation Fund, keeping records of employee's earnings, submission of annual Return on Earnings, assessments for employers, exempted employers, payment of assessments as well as new developments around employer services.

Commissioner Hendriks, from the CCMA spoke at the workshop and encouraged Farm Employers to have contracts of employment with their employees. “However, in the absence of the contract, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) can be used as a contract of employment in times of disputes", He said.

Subsequently, on August 23, 2025, the engagements will continue with Farm Employees in the De Doorns where they will be educated on COIDA compliance. The Fund will continue engaging with the Farm Employers in ensuring COIDA compliance in the Agricultural Sector.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Teboho Thejane

Departmental Spokesperson

082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za

-ENDS-

Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour

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