Seventeen undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during a high-impact workplace inspection led by Employment and Labour Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya in the Eastern Cape, on Thursday.
The multidisciplinary operation, conducted in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Police Service, forms part of government’s efforts to promote safe, fair, and compliant workplaces while tightening enforcement of labour laws across sectors.
According to the Department of Employment and Labour, the blitz inspection focused on enforcing key labour legislation and assessing workplace compliance.
One non-compliant employer was issued with a compliance order for multiple contraventions of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA). These included:
- Section 81 – Failure to keep prescribed records
- Section 82 – Outstanding Return of Earnings (ROEs) for the 2024/25 financial year
- Section 86 – Outstanding payment amounting to R31,579.40
- Section 87 – Accrued penalties and interest
Deputy Minister Sibiya praised the collaborative effort and cooperation of employers during the operation, noting that such initiatives reflect government’s commitment to fair and lawful employment practices.
“This initiative is a testament to what we can achieve when government departments work together in pursuit of a common goal.
“I want to thank our partner departments for their unwavering support and commend the employers who have opened their doors and cooperated fully with our labour inspectors. Their commitment to compliance is vital in building a labour market that is both just and sustainable,” Sibiya said.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of compliance, accountability, and respect for workers’ rights through sustained enforcement across all sectors of the economy. – SAnews.gov.za
