Socio-economic and job characteristics among farm workers in Mafikeng municipality, North West

Abstract

The study examined personal and job characteristics and the socio-economic status of farm workers in the Mafikeng area, North West province, South Africa. A simple random sampling technique was used to select I 00 farm workers to be interviewed. A structured questionnaire was developed based on the study objectives and related literature to collect data which were analysed using frequency count, percentages and multiple regression analysis. The results show that the majority of farm workers fall between 20-30 years age group with males dominating and most have gone through primary education. The mean salary of most of the farm workers per month was R I 250.00. Medical aids, Sectoral determination and Labour unions were non-existent in different farm s. In terms of possession of material s, 79% of the farm workers have chickens while 64% have dogs. 92% have radio, 93% have beds, 89% have tables and 59% have electric stoves. Also, 82%have cell phones while 78% have boots and rain coats each. The findings have impIications for the level of socio-economic status of the farm workers and the need to improve on their livelihoods.