KZN Governor Thami Ntuli has demanded the intensification of inspections across the province following a joint operation in Pietermaritzburg that uncovered serious issues related to immigration, labor law compliance, building codes, and hygiene standards. During this operation, illegally present foreign nationals and businesses employing workers for as little as 100 rand per day were discovered.
The operation, conducted on Tuesday, involved the police, the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Labour, environmental agency representatives, and the municipality. As a result of the checks on residential premises, 29 illegally present foreign nationals were identified and detained for further processing by the police and the Department of Home Affairs.
Furthermore, the inspection targeted businesses, during which officials verified compliance with municipal, labour, migration, environmental, and other laws. Ntuli noted that staff found alarming conditions at some sites, including issues related to worker treatment and adherence to building regulations.
Working Conditions Issues
The Governor pointed out that some buildings were constructed without submitting plans to the municipality for approval, warning of potential serious consequences for illegal construction. He also expressed concern over workers being paid a minimal sum of 100 rand per day despite working from 6 am to 6 pm. Ntuli stated that the Department of Labour would handle matters concerning workers, while environmental officials would address hygiene problems.
Department of Home Affairs staff were also tasked with verifying the documents of individuals found during the operation. Document verification was necessary because some people claiming to have valid papers might possess forged documents. Ntuli emphasized that even some foreign nationals had valid documentation, but the businesses they managed were still violating municipal and other laws.
Call for Operations Across the Province
Ntuli stated that the operation in Pietermaritzburg should be replicated with similar inspections throughout KwaZulu-Natal, especially in September. He stressed that this initiative aims to prompt every police station, Department of Home Affairs office, and municipality across KwaZulu-Natal to commence similar activities. The goal of these inspections must be to resolve issues with illegal foreigners through the appropriate authorities and to ensure that businesses comply with South African laws.
The Governor also raised the issue of employers hiring illegal foreign nationals, insisting on their adherence to minimum wage requirements. Ntuli reported that the government is considering tightening penalties for employers who hire illegal foreigners to prevent them from benefiting from illegal employment. He added that further inspections will take place in other areas where authorities have information about businesses using illegal labour.