Former government spokesperson and now MK Party MP Mzwanele Manyi is calling on South Africa to enforce a seven-day work week, with 24-hour round-the-clock working hours. Does this mean an end to weekends for the working class?
NO MORE WEEKENDS, SAY MK PARTY CHIEF WHIP
On his X app, former government spokesperson and now MK Party Chief Whip Mzwanele Manyi has called on lawmakers to enforce a round-the-clock working week.
According to the outspoken MP, this would benefit the unemployed.
He tweeted over the weekend:“Why aren’t Saturday and Sunday normal working days? That 8-day monthly gap makes no sense, especially for the unemployed who need every opportunity to earn and hustle”.
When one follower asked Manyi to elaborate, he responded: “Instead of a five-day week with many businesses closed on weekends, use the weekend as an opportunity to absorb the unemployed.
“This will afford the unemployed eight days of reprieve every month. In addition, have a 24-hour working day of 8 hours/shift. (three shifts per day).”
When another asked if the new schedule permitted the working class time off, he responded: “Things shouldn’t stop because you need to rest. Your resting time must be an opportunity for the unemployed to be absorbed. Why is this complicated?”
According to Manyi, his proposal should not affect those who ordinarily work weekdays and are off on weekends.
WHAT DO LABOUR LAWS SAY ABOUT WORKING HOURS?
According to South Africa’s Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), individuals may work a maximum standard working time of 45 hours weekly.
This equates to nine hours per day (excluding lunch break) if the employee works a five-day week or eight hours per day (excluding lunch break) if the employee works more than five days per week.
A one-hour lunch break must be provided for after five continuous hours of work.
Working hours, including over the weekend, are determined by a contractual agreement between employer and employee. Likewise, any overtime worked is through an agreement between employer and employee. The maximum permissible overtime is three hours per day or 10 hours per week.
DO YOU AGREE WITH MZWANELE MANYI’S STANCE ABOUT WORKING WEEKENDS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to060 011 021 1.
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