Meth urges employers to accommodate workers voting on November 4 - IOL

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has urged employers and employees to make workplace arrangements to ensure eligible workers can vote in the November 4 local government elections.

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has called on employers and employees across South Africa to work together to ensure eligible workers have the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote in the November 4 local government elections.

The call comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa declared November 4 a national public holiday under Section 2A of the Public Holidays Act.

The Department of Employment and Labour said employers and workers should engage proactively and make reasonable workplace arrangements that support voter participation while maintaining operational requirements and service delivery commitments.

Meth said the right to vote remained one of the most important freedoms secured by South Africa's constitutional democracy and that workplaces had an important role to play in fostering active citizenship and supporting democratic participation.

“The right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy and one of the most significant gains of our constitutional dispensation.

''As a country, we must continue to safeguard this right and create an environment in which all eligible citizens are able to participate meaningfully in the democratic process,” Meth said.

The minister encouraged employers and employees to work together in a spirit of co-operation and mutual respect to make arrangements for those wishing to cast their ballots.

''Through proper planning and constructive engagement, workplaces can support employees who wish to cast their votes while ensuring that business operations continue effectively,” Meth said.

The department further encouraged employees to communicate with their employers in advance regarding voting arrangements where necessary.

It said open and transparent engagement could assist both parties in identifying practical solutions that balanced workplace requirements with the exercise of constitutional rights.

Meth said democratic participation strengthened social cohesion, nation-building and inclusive economic growth.

The department said respect for constitutional rights in the workplace contributed to stable labour relations and reinforced South Africa's democratic institutions.

It said it would continue working with Nedlac social partners, including organised business, organised labour, civil society and relevant institutions, to promote awareness of workers' rights and responsibilities and encourage active citizenship.

As South Africans prepare to exercise their democratic choice, Meth called on all stakeholders to contribute positively towards a free, fair and participatory electoral process.

“Democracy flourishes when citizens participate. Every eligible South African should be encouraged to make their voice heard through the ballot box and to contribute to the future of our nation,” Meth said.