Photo by: Bloomberg
Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza has launched a R10-million commission of inquiry into the socio-economic conditions of farmworkers in the province.
Launching the eight-member commission in Mbombela on Monday, Mabuza said they were given eight months to complete the task.
"As I have said in the state of the province address this year... a commission of inquiry is needed to address [the] problems of farm dwellers and their livelihoods. [The commission's] job is to do investigations in all farms of the province," said Mabuza.
"We are trying... to have equal education for all our children either in farm schools or urban, we need to have better health facilities... where the farmworkers stay."
Mabuza said it was not easy putting the team together.
"It has not been easy due to the calibre [of] people needed. I hand-picked these professionals from 50 people that I had to cut [down] to eight, which I believe will deliver what the government has tasked them to do.
"We hope in the ... eight months given to them they will be able to come back [and] advise government. This is not just a window dressing but we will implement the recommendations," said Mabuza.