The Department of Employment and Labour’s (DEL) inspection and compliance blitz operations carried out around the country last month revealed instances of non-compliance, including underpayment of wages, unlawful deductions, and inadequate health and safety measures.
“To date, we have enforced monetary corrections totalling over R10 million, compelling employers to rectify these violations and honour their obligations to their employees,” said Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth.
Since June, the department has intensified efforts to ensure adherence to employment laws across the country, Meth said.
Teams were verifying compliance with Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), National Minimum Wage Act (NMWA), Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA) among others.
The Western Cape led with the highest number of inspections, totalling 809. Gauteng followed with 764, and KwaZulu-Natal with 535 inspections.
Meth said employers found in violation were issued with compliance notices with clear deadlines for correction.
Gauteng was found to be 72% non-compliant, the money enforced in the province totalled just over R5.5 million.
The Western Cape was found to be 43% non-compliant. Monetary collections enforced totalled R1 923 712.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the province was found to be 33% non-compliant with a total of R1 057 648.05 monetary collections enforced.
Eighty-one undocumented people were arrested during the operations.
The most arrests were made in Gauteng.
“As we navigate the path toward economic recovery and sustainable growth, it is essential that we establish a solid foundation rooted in fair and equitable labour practices. Compliance with our nation's labour laws is not merely a statutory obligation; it is a critical component of creating a stable environment that attracts investment, encourages entrepreneurship, and promotes competitiveness in the global market,” Meth said.
On the undocumented people arrested, DEL inspector-general, Aggy Moiloa, said: “After being arrested, the home affairs department will then start their processes. This will include not just employees that were arrested but also their employers.
“There is a fine attached to that of R2500 per arrested person and thereafter the processes of deportation will then follow.”
The blitz operation was conducted between September 17 and 20 after the department unleashed an intensive four-day multi-departmental blitz inspection of restaurants across South Africa, following reports of endemic exploitation in the sector.
At the time, Chief inspector for occupational health and safety (OHS), Milly Ruiters said that the blitz operations were necessary as “restaurants in particular were becoming a problem sector”.
Cape Times