Authorities ramp up labour inspections, but experts raise concerns
South African authorities are ramping up inspections to combat labour exploitation, but a labour expert questions their long-term effectiveness amid challenges in compliance and enforcement.
South African authorities are ramping up labor inspections to tackle exploitation and ensure compliance with labor laws. However, a labor expert warns these operations may not be effective in the long run due to insufficient resources and strategy. Following a recent briefing, National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure chairperson Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili stated that the government takes a whole-of-government approach to enforce the law, with 6,317 labor inspectors conducting workplace inspections nationwide.
During inspections, authorities found 25 Lesotho nationals and two Chinese nationals working without valid permits, detaining and processing them according to immigration laws. Three Chinese employers were also arrested for suspected violations of immigration legislation.
The Department of Employment and Labour's Deputy Minister, Jomo Sibiya, led an inspection in eThekwini, where workers were overjoyed to learn they would be paid in line with the National Minimum Wage Act. Sibiya urged workers not to be exploited, noting many lack payslips, contracts, and are paid below the minimum wage. Labor lawyer, DA MP, and Portfolio Committee member Michael Bagraim criticized the small number of inspectors as "a drop in the ocean," pointing out there are over a million businesses in South Africa.
Bagraim stated inspectors lack proper tools, training, and budget, making it unlikely to make a significant impact on non-compliance. He highlighted that over 95% of informal businesses have never encountered an inspector, and that "a blitz in the long-term is not effective" as businesses hide or expel staff upon raids. The department, however, announced a new Employment Services Amendment Bill aimed at strengthening labor migration management, prioritizing opportunities for South Africans, protecting migrant workers, and enhancing compliance with labor and immigration laws.
The Bill introduces stricter penalties for repeat offenders and prohibits foreign nationals from unauthorized work under their visas or permits.
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