Sihlahla warns trade unions to submit annual returns by 30 November

Acting Labour Commissioner, Kyllikki Sihlahla, on Monday warned all trade unions and employer organisations to submit their annual returns to the labour commissioner within six months after the end of their financial year, with a strict deadline of 30 November 2023.

“This is a follow-up media release to the media release dated 08 September 2023, this notice serves as a reminder to all trade unions and employer organisations that have failed to adhere to their statutory obligations under section 60 of the Labour Act, Act no. 11 of 2007,” the Office of the Labour Commissioner said.

Sihlahla said that a stern warning was issued, emphasising the importance for defaulting entities to promptly comply with the statutory provisions outlined in the Labour Act. Specifically, the directive required the submission of outstanding annual returns as per section 60 of the Labour Act.

“Annual returns, as mandated by [that] section must be submitted using Form LC 9. This submission must be accompanied by a statement of income and expenditure for the relevant year, a balance sheet reflecting the financial position at year-end, and an annual audit report prepared by a registered public accountant and auditor,” she said.

The commissioner said that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe will result in appropriate action being taken by the labour commissioner.

“It is strongly advised that immediate attention be given to fulfilling these obligations to avoid legal consequences,” she said.

As of 01 September 2023, it was observed that only five out of 47 registered trade unions, as well as two out of the 17 registered employers’ organisations, fulfilled their registration obligations.
“This starkly indicated the majority’s non-compliance with the applicable statutory obligations,” Sihlahla warned.

(NAMPA)
IS/PS/HP
(NAMPA)