#MISA calls on employers to register workers with the Compensation Fund to protect lives and livelihoods
21 August 2026
For Immediate Release
#MISA calls on employers to register workers with the Compensation Fund to protect lives and livelihoods
#MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, is deeply concerned by revelations from the Department of Employment and Labour’s inspections at Gauteng fuel stations, which uncovered widespread non‑compliance with critical labour legislation.
The inspections, revealed that dozens of employers are failing to register workers with the Compensation Fund, leaving employees vulnerable in the event of workplace accidents. This was revealed in the latest #MISAtv interview with Mbongeni Tshabalala, Provincial Chief Inspector of Gauteng.
The Department of Employment and Labour’s role is to enforce legislation including the Employment Equity Act, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA).
“What we have discovered is that there are employers who are not registered with COIDA. Around 50 fuel stations have been found to be not registered with COIDA. What that means is that if a worker is injured they will not be covered and they cannot claim”, he said.
The Compensation Fund exists to ensure that workers injured on duty receive medical care and financial support. According to the Department, employers contributed over R12 billion to the fund in the 2024/25 financial year, while nearly R4 billion was paid out in medical benefits. With reserves of R160 billion, the fund is a cornerstone of worker protection. Yet, when employers fail to register, they not only break the law but also expose themselves to direct liability for workplace injuries.
Martle Keyter, #MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says employers who fails to register workers with the Compensation Fund are gambling with people’s lives. “Workers injured on duty deserve the certainty of compensation. MISA will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure compliance and to protect the rights of employees.”
#MISA calls on all employers in the retail motor industry to urgently comply with COIDA and related legislation. Compliance is not optional, it is a legal and moral obligation to safeguard workers who keep South Africa’s economy moving.
The latest #MISAtv interview can be found in the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wfcmbpgzrg
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager: #MISA Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
#PROUDLYMISA #MISALEADS #MISACARES #MISAONTHEMOVE #MISAFAMILY