September 22, 17:01IOL

Steel manufacturing company inspected over alleged illegal workers and safety violations

In the steel manufacturing company Africa Steel and Tube in Ekurhuleni, alleged labor and occupational safety violations were identified during a joint inspection to ensure compliance with regulations. The inspection was conducted by representatives from the Department of Employment and Labour, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the police, and Ekurhuleni city officials.

Information emerged about a possible leak regarding the sudden state inspection, as over one hundred alleged undocumented foreign nationals supposedly did not show up for work at Africa Steel and Tube in Ekurhuleni on Tuesday. Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Jomo Sibiya, stated that officials received information that the workers were at the plant the day before the inspection, but they were allegedly ordered not to come to work after the inspection became known.

Sibiya noted that 'the information that we were going to them was leaked. This is a big problem.' He added that authorities plan to revisit the company, including its night shift, to verify the information, emphasizing that 'this will not end easily. We are very concerned about those among us who leak information.'

The enterprise is under close scrutiny due to alleged illegal workers

As part of this large-scale joint operation, which involved the departments of employment and labour, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the police, and the City of Ekurhuleni, Sibiya confirmed that employees interviewed during the inspection verified the presence of a large number of foreigners at the facility the day before. 'They were here yesterday. They talked to other employees. They directly told us that yes, they were here, and today they were told not to come to work,' he stated.

Although initial information indicated a possible number of around 200 people, Sibiya later clarified that the absence of more than 100 people had been verified. He warned that employers who intentionally hire illegal foreign nationals would also face measures. 'We will not allow them to do this. It is akin to aiding and abetting and evading justice and assisting illegal foreign immigrants, which is a crime. We will deal with this.'

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Njabulo Nzusa explained that the goal of the operation was not only to identify illegal workers but also to combat employers who create demand for illegal labor. 'The main problem here is that we are reducing the demand for illegal labor because if there is demand, there will always be supply,' said Nzusa. He added that inspections must be carried out to ensure compliance with the law and to punish employers for using illegal individuals.

Violations in labor and safety have been found

The inspection also uncovered alleged violations of labor laws and occupational safety regulations at Africa Steel and Tube. Sibiya reported that inspectors were concerned about issues related to overtime and weekend payments, including claims of underpayment to workers for working on Saturday and Sunday. 'We found that they are not paying people overtime in the way we expect, nor are they paying minimum wage,' he noted. He continued: 'They are underpaying them for Sundays and Saturdays. This is a huge problem for us because if you do not pay employees what they are owed, you destroy these employees. This is exploitation that we do not want to see.'

Furthermore, officials suspended the use of some equipment due to safety concerns. Sibiya reported that 'their crane is damaged. They will not use the crane until it is repaired, and they will not use forklifts because the forklift operators have not been trained. They do not have licenses.'

Inspectors also identified issues related to the company's electrical installation compliance. Meanwhile, the executive mayor of Ekurhuleni, Nkosindifile Khakaza, stated that Africa Steel and Tube owes the municipality about 3 million rand for electricity, but the company has entered into a payment agreement. He emphasized that businesses must maintain regular payments to avoid growing municipal debt and urged the company to ensure a sustainable culture of service payment.

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iol.co.zaSeptember 22, 18:00

Labor inspectors found workers hiding on the roof during an inspection of a firewood supplier for Heritage Day

During an inspection at the TJ’s Lekka Braai facility in the Blackheath area, which took place the day before Heritage Day, labor inspectors expressed concerns regarding worker safety, alleged payment methods, and documentation of foreign nationals.

Officials reported that some workers had left the premises and hidden in spaces under the roof, while others were observed working in areas covered with coal dust without proper protective gear.

The operation involved the Department of Employment and Labour, SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, and other law enforcement agencies. A representative from the provincial department of labour, Vanessa Cupido, noted that the inspectors initially visited the site as part of a routine check, but their observations led to larger actions.

The Department of Employment and Labour, SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, and Cape Town police conducted a comprehensive unannounced inspection at the JT Lekker Braai factory in Blackheath, known for producing barbecue firewood, coal, utensils, and grates.

Department of Home Affairs checks fingerprints

Vanessa Cupido stated that surveillance cameras were installed throughout the building, and it is possible someone warned about the inspectors' visit. She added that some people were inside the roofs, and others were still hiding there.

Fezeka Ngalo, the acting provincial chief inspector, reported that officials blocked escape routes before entering the premises. She specified that some workers ran to the back of the site and climbed into the attic. Ngalo confirmed that despite the presence of fugitives, SAPS managed to detain some individuals.

Thirty-two people were detained for further investigation. The Department of Home Affairs was tasked with checking their documents and fingerprints to establish the legality of their employment in South Africa. Officials emphasized that the verification process is ongoing, and the detainees cannot automatically be considered undocumented.

Inspectors also pointed out that workers engaged in coal processing were not using masks, gloves, or other protective equipment. Cupido stated: "None of them had PPE — no protection, no masks, no gloves."

Furthermore, questions were raised about the absence of fire wardens, health representatives, and medical monitoring. Ngalo described the rear part of the production area as heavily dusty, noting that workers should have been provided with appropriate protective equipment. She reported that officials are investigating potential violations of occupational health and safety legislation. Inspectors may issue a prohibition notice if an immediate danger is identified, requiring operations to cease until the threat is eliminated. Other notices may also be issued, and officials will return for follow-up inspections; if the employer fails to comply with the requirements, the case may be referred for prosecution.

Officials investigate alleged piece-rate payments

Inspectors were also examining claims regarding the method of payment. According to Cupido, some employees claimed they were paid not for hours worked, but for volume produced. One worker allegedly stated that he had to pack a pallet containing 100 seven-kilogram bags of firewood for 70 rand. Packing 50 bags weighing 20 kg allegedly also yielded 70 rand.

Officials stated that this scheme would be assessed against minimum wage requirements.

The manager of TJ’s Lekka Braai refuted several accusations. He suggested that the company was being targeted ahead of National Braai Day. He stated that the business underwent an audit in 2025 and has since strived to comply with all requirements. The manager insisted that workers were issued masks and other protective gear every morning and evening, and that the company possessed valid documentation for foreign employees. He confirmed that everyone had the necessary documents: passport, valid passport, valid residency. The manager admitted that the coal section had dark areas and was not cleaned that morning, but maintained that employees were given masks. He also denied allegations of paying below minimum wage, stating that the company adheres to the applicable hourly rate. The inspection took place during a period of high business activity; management reported that before the Heritage Day rush, they were scheduled to ship about 120 pallets to Freshmark.