The compliance double standard in the South African State, and what ordinary citizens can do about it . Every South African has stood in a government queue and felt it. The crowded corridor. The blocked exit. The wiring that looks like it was last touched before democracy. We expect the State to be the example of compliance. Too often it operates as the exception. Meanwhile, a private factory in Durban gets a visit from an inspector and is expected to have its fire equipment tagged, its electrical certificate current and its evacuation plan on the wall. Same country. Same Act. Very different outcomes. The law has no exemption for the State The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 binds the State. Government departments, hospitals, police stations and municipal offices are employers, and employers have duties. Section 8 requires a safe and healthy workplace for employees. Sections 17, 18 and 19 require health and safety representatives and committees at workplaces with more...