Co-ordinated Blitz inspections in Potchefstroom see several undocumented workers behind bars
The joint weeklong mega blitz inspections between the Department of Employment and Labour, Home Affairs, Transport and South African Police Services in Potchefstroom, North West, switched its attention to the road freight industry where four undocumented foreign nationals were arrested at a roadblock along the busy N12 route on Thursday.
The arrests followed those of seven others who were arrested on Wednesday at a company in the area. All are expected to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court.
Speaking at the roadblock, Thulas Nxesi, Employment and Labour Minister, said the inspections wanted to see the level of compliance with labour laws ranging from the Basic Conditions of Employment Act to Occupational Health and Safety Act as well as observance of the National Minimum Wage.
“We have already found that several truck drivers are undocumented – are not paid in terms of the collective agreements and are not registered for the unemployment insurance fund. We are warning employers to ensure that they abide by the labour laws or face the music,’’ he said.
The Minister, who was accompanied by his deputy, Boitumelo Moloi and the Inspector-General, Aggy Moiloa, said the operation was a sequel to the commitment by a number of ministers last month to intensify the programme of action to deal with the employment of undocumented foreign nationals.
Colonel Thabo Mahlangu said his team had been able to arrest the undocumented foreign nationals during an intensive two-hour operation.
The Deputy Minister said employers must take responsibility for employing undocumented foreign nationals.
Phumi Maphaha, Acting Chief Inspector of the Department of Employment and Labour, expressed disappointment following the inspection at Chubby Chick on Wednesday, where the company could not produce the certificate of compliance in terms of the ammonia stored at the plant. He however, said the company had promised to ensure its availability within 24 hours. He said his team was happy with the functioning condition of boilers.
Maphaha expressed concern that firefighting equipment had been stolen, which could pose a major risk should a fire break out at the plant. He said the medical surveillance unit had issued a number of notices which will be followed up.
The inspections will end with the spotlight turning to manufacturing sector.
Source: Government of South Africa