As increasing numbers of employees return to the workplace with the easing of lockdown levels, cases of occupationally acquired Covid-19 are likely to rise again into winter and then persist until a vaccine becomes widely available. It is feared that the Compensation Fund, which has had a long and undistinguished history of inefficiency, maladministration and financial mismanagement, is going to buckle under the weight of claims.

The Compensation Fund is governed under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (Coida). In January, the parliamentary portfolio committee on employment and labour issued a public call for submissions on the proposed Coida Amendment Bill. The bill appears to be something of a curate’s egg — good in parts, bad in others. ..

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.