SA to get thousands more labour inspectors to crack down on errant employers, illegal foreigners

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth.
(Lulama Zenzile/Netwerk24)

The Department of Employment and Labour is set to employ close to 20 000 labour inspectors to clamp down on non-compliance and illegal labour practices.

On Tuesday, Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth briefed journalists in Pretoria on her department’s nationwide joint compliance, inspection and enforcement initiatives.

One of the major plans includes increasing inspectors over the next few years.

“Over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period, we plan to significantly expand our inspectorate, increasing the number of inspectors from 2 000 to 20 000. This expansion will enhance our ability to conduct thorough audits and inspections across the country,” Meth said.

To maximise the effectiveness of our inspections, the department will implement a risk profiling system.

“This approach will allow us to prioritise audits and inspections based on identified risks, thereby improving our capacity to address high-priority non-compliance areas more efficiently. We will introduce a specialised, segment-focused compliance framework. Our enforcement strategy will be integrated and risk-based, enabling us to address all compliance issues at the workplace in a holistic and comprehensive manner, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met,” she said.

The department’s operations started in earnest with a raid at Babel, a restaurant in Menlyn, Pretoria, in September, following a complaint about the flouting of labour practices.

The inspection followed a complaint by a former employee on social media, who said she had to buy her own uniform and did not have a basic salary.

With the help of the Hawks and immigration officials, the labour department descended on the luxurious restaurant.

While labour department officials started checking for compliance, immigration officials moved the employees to the back to check their documentation.

Meth also said their work is not solely focused on enforcement, but also on advancing social justice and economic prosperity.

“Our commitment extends beyond enforcement; it is about fostering social justice and ensuring that every worker’s rights are protected. Fair labour practices lead to increased morale, productivity and, ultimately, a more robust economy. Together, we can build a society where economic prosperity and social equity reinforce each other,” she said.

Furthermore, she also urged businesses, labour unions and civil society organisations to support their work.

“Let us work collaboratively to create a labour market characterised by fairness, safety, and mutual respect. As we navigate the path toward economic recovery and sustainable growth, it is essential that we establish a solid foundation rooted in fair and equitable labour practices,” she said.

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