Skills Resource Group

Shepherds and Sheepdogs

Written by Peter Diesel-Reynolds

I read an interesting article some time ago about how effective the traditional English shepherds were because of the effectiveness of their sheepdogs. In fact they devote a huge chunk of their time to the training of the dogs as compared to the welfare of the sheep. A shepherd with a well trained dog can herd six times as fast as one without well trained dog.

While the dog keeps an eye on the sheep and ensures they stay in the designated area the shepherd gets to treat the sick, lame and lazy of their aches and pains and do effective planning of the next pasture.

What an awesome lesson we need to get as leaders. Why do we fall into the age old trap of frustration that’s leads to the sin of “doing-it-myself”, and then still justify our actions by adding “no one does it quite like me anyway”.

Duties of the CEO

Written by Delene Sheasby

Most CEO’s and managers have at some time opened their Occupational Health and Safety Act and read Section 16 and then perhaps not given it another thought?

In order to prevent unfortunate incidents which may lead to criminal or civil liability, let’s unpack what the Act says to really understand.

The OHS Act states:

16. Chief Executive Officer charged with certain duties

16.1. Every chief executive officer shall as far as is reasonably practicable ensure that the duties of his employer as contemplated in this Act are properly discharged.

16.2. Without derogating from his responsibility or liability in terms of subsection (1), a chief executive officer may assign any duty contemplated in the said subsection, to any person under his control, which person shall act subject to the control and directions of the chief executive officer.

16.3. The provisions of subsection (1) shall not, subject to the provisions of section 37, relieve an employer of any responsibility or liability under this Act.

16.4. For the purpose of subsection (1), the head of department of any department of State shall be deemed to be the chief executive officer of that department.”

Is there a future for Labour Brokers in South Africa?

Written by Malcolm Feldman

This question has been raised and discussed ad nausea since April 2009 till now by TES agencies, Labour Brokers, as well as companies who utilize their services.

Clearly the concern is the effect it would have on an already very high unemployment rate, not forgetting that currently there are 6000 recruitment centres in South Africa and the industry employs approximately 500 000 people a year. Since the year 2000 labour brokers have introduced approximately 3, 89 million temporary, part-time and contract employees into the labour force. During 2008-2009 financial year, the sector contributed a total of R415 million to the National Skills Fund.

I concede that abuses have taken place and therefore welcome legislation to regulate TES and Labour Brokers. The government’s belief that changes to various sections within the Labour Relations Act, such as the protection of the Employment Relationship, to be of paramount importance, is understandable.