Labour violations uncovered in northern KZN

A MULTIDISCIPLINARY blitz in Ndwedwe, under the Ilembe District in northern KwaZulu-Natal, revealed the exploitation of foreign nationals for cheap labour on local farms and in shops.

- THOBEKA NGEMA [e-mail]

The blitz was led by Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala, as the District Development Model (DDM) champion of the Ilembe District, Labour and Employment Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya, and Home Affairs Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza on Tuesday. They were joined by Ndwedwe Municipality Mayor Sam Mfeka and the police.

They checked compliance regarding the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Occupational Health and Safety, and Minimum Wage Act. They were also looking at the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), Compensation Fund and other pieces of labour legislation, with Home Affairs looking at compliance with the Immigration Act. This follows numerous concerns raised during Zikal-alas DDM interactions in the district.

On their arrival at the farms, people, believed to be illegal immigrants, were seen jumping over fences in Bhamshela.

Zikalala said they conducted inspections on three farms in Ward 3 to check whether the employees are employed legally and benefited according to South Africa's labour laws.