The Rustenburg Labour Centre has been closed temporarily after a COVID-19 case was identified. This is to allow employees who have been in contact with the affected employee to self-isolate and for the necessary cleaning protocols for the office to be carried out as required.

Though the Department of Employment and Labour is concerned about the disruption of their much needed services, of paramount importance is the safety of its clients and staff members.

"This is one of our biggest Labour Centres in the North West and on average we service about 250 clients per day. It is therefore important that we look after the health and safety of our clients and officials and to our best to ensure that this disease does not spread hence at times we have had to close offices to follow the necessary protocols.

"In this case the affected colleague, due to the nature of his work, had contact with co-workers thus warranting the temporary closure of the office for decontamination processes to be carried out," said Andile Makapela, the Chief Director: Provincial Operations in the North West.