Labour Department Crackdown in KZN Nabs 25 Undocumented Workers and Employers

According to the department, the majority of those arrested were Malawian and Mozambican nationals found working illegally on two farms within the Indwedwe Local Municipality.

In a sweeping crackdown on illegal employment and workplace non-compliance, the Department of Employment and Labour has arrested more than 20 undocumented foreign nationals during a series of blitz inspections in KwaZulu-Natal’s Ilembe District. The operation, led by Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya, forms part of the department’s ongoing national campaign to enforce labour laws and curb the exploitation of workers across various sectors.

Multi-Agency Operation Targets Farms and Retail Businesses

The large-scale inspections were conducted in collaboration with several government departments and agencies, including the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Indwedwe Local Municipality, under the leadership of Mayor Mfeka.

Deputy Ministers Njabulo Nzuza (Home Affairs) and Sihle Zikalala (Public Works and Infrastructure) joined the campaign, reflecting a whole-of-government effort to ensure compliance with South Africa’s immigration and labour regulations.

During the raids—focused on agriculture and wholesale and retail sectors—officials discovered a significant number of foreign nationals working without valid documentation. A total of 25 individuals and two employers were arrested on Tuesday for contravening South African labour and immigration laws.

According to the department, the majority of those arrested were Malawian and Mozambican nationals found working illegally on two farms within the Indwedwe Local Municipality. “They were subsequently taken to the local police station for processing and possible deportation,” the department said in a statement.

Employers to Face Prosecution for Hiring Illegal Workers

The two farm owners who employed the undocumented workers were also taken into custody. Authorities confirmed that they will face prosecution under the Immigration Act for employing illegal foreign nationals and for failing to adhere to fair labour practices.

Deputy Minister Sibiya underscored that while South Africa values regional cooperation and trade, employers must abide by the country’s employment and immigration laws. “We cannot allow employers to exploit foreign nationals or disregard labour legislation. Everyone working in South Africa must do so legally and under conditions that respect their human rights,” he said.

Noncompliance with Labour Laws and Safety Standards

Beyond immigration issues, the inspections also revealed serious violations of workplace safety and labour laws. Officials checked compliance with several key pieces of legislation, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), the National Minimum Wage Act (NMWA), the Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act, and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act.

“We found that some of the employees were not registered with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the Compensation Fund, and that the employer was not compliant with the National Minimum Wage,” Sibiya reported.

The Deputy Minister also revealed alarming health and safety concerns in several retail outlets. “Some food products being sold here are not labelled, some have expired, or are unauthorised, and for public safety reasons, have to be confiscated by the municipal officials,” he said.

Unsafe Buildings and Shops Ordered to Close

Inspectors found that a number of establishments operated under unsafe structural conditions, with poor electrical installations and inadequate fire safety measures. “We are going to close some of these shops because they don’t meet the legal standards of the Occupational Health and Safety Act,” Sibiya said.

As a result, two shops were immediately closed, and several prohibition notices were issued to other non-compliant businesses in the Bhamshela area. These notices compel business owners to rectify identified violations before resuming operations.

Strengthening Enforcement and Worker Protection

The operation underscores the Department of Employment and Labour’s determination to protect both local and migrant workers while ensuring that businesses operate within the bounds of South African law. It also demonstrates the government’s commitment to coordinated enforcement efforts, combining labour inspection, immigration control, and consumer protection.

Sibiya concluded by reaffirming that the department will continue conducting unannounced inspections across KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces to ensure full compliance. “We are serious about enforcing our labour laws. Employers must respect the rights of all workers and uphold the legal standards that ensure fair, safe, and dignified employment for everyone in South Africa,” he said.