Ntuli calls for KZN-wide crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals, non-compliant businesses
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli has called for province-wide compliance operations after a Pietermaritzburg crackdown uncovered 29 undocumented foreign nationals and serious concerns over labour and business compliance.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has urged a province-wide crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals and uncooperative businesses following an investigation in Pietermaritzburg that uncovered serious concerns over immigration, labor, building, and hygiene compliance. On Tuesday, police, Home Affairs, the Department of Labour, environmental officials, and the municipality collaborated in the operation, which uncovered 29 undocumented foreign nationals and targeted non-compliant businesses.
The inspectors found troubling conditions at businesses, including improper treatment of workers and violations of building regulations. Some structures had been erected without prior approval from the municipality, and Ntuli warned that illegal constructions could lead to severe repercussions. He also expressed concern over workers being paid as little as R100 a day while working from 6 am to 6 pm.
The Premier emphasized that the Department of Labour would handle worker-related issues, while environmental officials would tackle hygiene-related concerns. Home Affairs officials would verify the documentation of individuals discovered during the operation, as some persons claimed to have valid papers, possibly due to fraudulent documentation.
Ntuli stressed that some foreign nationals held valid documents, but the businesses they operated were still failing to comply with municipal and other laws. The Pietermaritzburg operation should be followed by similar actions across KwaZulu-Natal, particularly during September, he said, urging every police station, Home Affairs office, and municipality to conduct similar initiatives.
Ntuli called for the government to review penalties for employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals, aiming to deter businesses from engaging in unlawful employment practices. He announced that further operations would be executed in regions where authorities have information about businesses employing undocumented foreign nationals.
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