On 6 July 2024, the SERI hosted a workshop on the Inclusion of Domestic Workers in the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 130 of 1993 (COIDA) in Braamfontein. The purpose of the workshop was to inform domestic workers of their rights in terms of the Act, the protections the Act affords domestic workers and their dependents, the challenges domestic workers experience when submitting their claims and to answer questions domestic workers have about COIDA. The workshop was attended by 20 participants from Migrant Workers Union of South Africa (MIWUSA).
SERI candidate attorney, Thando George began the workshop by identifying the participants’ expectations and to identify common issues to be addressed by the workshop. Thando then did a presentation on Introduction to COIDA. The presentation covered what is COIDA and what do domestic workers stand to benefit from COIDA.
SERI candidate attorney, Grace Gomba followed with a presentation that focused on the Mahlangu v Minister of Labour judgment and the implications of the case. This presentation aimed to give an understanding of the law and the protections COIDA gives to domestic workers, and particularly to migrant domestic workers.
Lastly, SERI Advocacy officer, Yongeza Mbimbi presented on the claiming process and the process in submitting retrospective claims to the compensation fund. The presentation gave an overview of the (ideal) claims process; challenges and steps migrant domestic workers can take to claim. The workshop concluded with Grace, Thando and Yongeza taking questions from the participants.