Labour dept issues R10m in non-compliance fines to errant employers 

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

Labour inspectors across the country have issued more than R10 million in non-compliance fines to employers in just four days, which saw nearly 2 000 foreign nationals found at workplaces, and 81 arrested.

The highest number of foreign nationals found at workplaces were recorded in the Western Cape and Gauteng.

Monetary fines were the highest in these two provinces – with R5.5 million issued in Gauteng and R1.9 million issued in the Western Cape.

In Gauteng, 28 foreign nationals were arrested – the highest recorded in the country.

In the Eastern Cape, 14 foreign nationals were arrested. The Limpopo province recorded the same number.

In the Western Cape, where 1 941 foreign nationals found, no one was arrested because the department did not have the data available.

Details of the department’s operations were shared during a press conference, which was addressed by Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Meth shared details of her department’s nationwide joint compliance, inspection and enforcement initiatives.

The following legislation is enforced:

• Basic Conditions of Employment Act;
• National Minimum Wage Act;
• Occupational Health and Safety Act;
• Compensation of Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 2;
• Unemployment Insurance Act; and
• Immigration Act (administered by the Department of Home Affairs).

Inspections were conducted between 17 and 20 September.

Meth said that, since assuming office in July 2024, her department had intensified efforts to ensure adherence to employment laws across all nine provinces.

This was done through high impact blitz inspections, in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, the Bargaining Council of the Hospitality Sector, and law enforcement agencies, including the SA Police Service and the Hawks.

“The scale and scope of these inspections demonstrate our commitment to upholding labour standards nationwide. The Western Cape led with the highest number of inspections, totalling 809. Gauteng followed with 764 inspections, and KwaZulu-Natal with 535. Inspections were also carried out in the North West (217), Eastern Cape (82), Free State (69), and Mpumalanga (59),” she said.

Meth said these joint inspections targeted key sectors and regions.

“Our inspections have revealed instances of non-compliance, including underpayment of wages, unlawful deductions and inadequate health and safety measures. To date, we have enforced monetary corrections, totalling over R10 million, compelling employers to rectify these violations and honour their obligations to their employees.

“We approach enforcement with a balance of firmness and fairness. Employers found in violation are issued compliance orders with clear deadlines for corrective action. In situations where immediate risks to health and safety are identified, Prohibition Notices are issued to halt hazardous activities until compliance is achieved,” she said.

According to Meth, there is deep concern about the high unemployment rate of 33.5% among South Africans, particularly affecting the youth.

“Concurrently, the employment of undocumented foreigners in various sectors raises serious concerns about exploitation and the undermining of our legal frameworks. Our administration is committed to addressing these challenges comprehensively and humanely.

“We are collaborating closely with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that employment practices comply with immigration laws, and that all workers – regardless of their origin – are treated with dignity and fairness,” she said.