Steel manufacturing company faces scrutiny over alleged undocumented workers and safety breaches
Steel manufacturing company Africa Steel and Tube is facing scrutiny after an unannounced inspection uncovered alleged labour and safety violations, while more than 100 suspected undocumented foreign nationals allegedly failed to report for duty.
The steel manufacturing company Africa Steel and Tube in Ekurhuleni is facing scrutiny over allegations of employing undocumented foreign nationals and safety breaches. An unannounced government inspection revealed that more than 100 suspected undocumented workers failed to report for work on the day of the inspection, despite having been at the company the day before.
Employment and Labour Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya stated that the leak of information about the inspection was a "big problem." The inspection was part of a joint compliance operation involving multiple departments, including Employment and Labour, Home Affairs, police, and the City of Ekurhuleni. Sibiya warned that employers found to have deliberately employed undocumented workers would face consequences, describing it as a crime.
During the inspection, officials uncovered alleged labor and occupational safety violations, including underpayment of overtime and weekend wages. They also halted the use of certain equipment due to safety concerns, such as an undamaged crane and unlicensed forklift operators. The company owes the municipality about R3 million in unpaid electricity bills, and the municipality is checking for compliance with zoning, land-use, building-control, and by-law requirements as part of the joint operation.
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