BLOEMFONTEIN – Several Free State government departments are chronically transgressing the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) − risking the health and safety of employees. The Department of Employment and Labour’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) specialist report has laid bare the alarming state of compliance.
In a media statement issued on 17 November, the Department of Employment and Labour expressed grave concern about the provincial government departments’ low level of compliance with the provisions of the OHSA, underscoring the condition and maintenance of buildings. Inspections at 187 government offices and facilities across the province revealed alarming findings and flagged 129 facilities as non-compliant.
Manelisi Luxande, provincial chief inspector, said an Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) specialist conducted inspections during the first semester of the 2025-’26 financial year at 187 government offices and facilities across the province. He said the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) specialist report revealed alarming findings.
“Of these, 129 were found to be non-compliant with one or more requirements of the OHSA. Furthermore, 29 facilities were issued with prohibition notices. This resulted in the closure of premises or the suspension of specific operations due to the immediate danger they posed to the health and safety of employees and members of the public,” said Luxande.
“The Inspection and Enforcement Services of the Department of Employment and Labour in the Free State remains deeply concerned.
“The extent of non-compliance we have recorded is alarming.
“Many of these facilities − particularly clinics, schools, and municipal offices − show serious signs of neglect, such as leaking roofs, unsafe electrical wiring, collapsing ceilings, and poor sanitation. These conditions not only endanger employees, but also compromise the safety of community members who depend on these services.
“It is crucial that corrective measures be taken immediately to safeguard lives.”
The most affected facilities include clinics, schools, Social Development offices, SAPS offices and municipal offices and workshops.
“The non-compliance issues identified range from leaking roofs, collapsing ceilings, unsafe electrical installations, and lack of water supply, to non-functioning sanitary facilities and structurally compromised walls,” said Luxande.
He said despite ongoing engagement by the Department of Employment and Labour with the affected departments, progress in addressing safety hazards remained limited.
The department therefore wishes to remind all government departments that, while service delivery is essential, the health and safety of employees and the public must remain paramount.
Luxande has re-emphasised the severity of the situation.
“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. Government departments must lead by example in complying with occupational health and safety laws.
“We urge all departments to take swift and decisive action to correct these deficiencies. Failure to do so will leave our inspectors with no choice but to enforce compliance through prohibition notices or other legal means.”
The problems persist amid continued criticism by the public, including opposition political parties. Recent inspections by Roy Jankielsohn, DA Free State provincial leader, at state-owned facilities in Windburg attest to the unabated neglect of maintenance. He described it as gross negligence.
“The facilities lack security, and electrical wiring, vehicles, equipment and other goods have been plundered and vandalised. No security was present, and the fence and guard houses are in advanced states of decay,” said Jankielsohn.
“If facilities meant to support road maintenance and construction are allowed to be vandalised by criminals, it is no wonder that our road budgets are often treated in a similar fashion, with multiple contractors, incomplete roads, allegations of corruption, and funds squandered. This lack of respect for state-owned property and public funds is a reason why vehicles are damaged, and lives are lost on our provincial roads.”
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