The Department of Employment and Labour’s joint blitz inspections and raids have yielded significant results, with the department enforcing monetary corrections totalling over R10 million and arresting 81 non-documented workers.
The Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, held a media briefing today to update on the department’s joint blitz inspections and compliance raids.
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In a decisive move to uphold employment standards, Meth announced that since assuming office in July 2024, her department has ramped up nationwide inspections targeting non-compliant employers.
Collaborating with the Department of Home Affairs, the Bargaining Council of the Hospitality Sector and law enforcement, the high impact blitz inspections focus on ensuring that workplaces adhere to key labour laws and safeguard workers’ rights.
“Our inspections have 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,” the Minister said.
Meth emphasised that the department approaches enforcement with a balance of firmness and fairness.
“Employers found in violation are issued compliance orders with clear deadlines for corrective action. In situations where immediate risks to health and safety are identified, Prohibition Notices are issued to halt hazardous activities until compliance is achieved,” she said.
The Minister said the scale and scope of these inspections demonstrate the department’s commitment to upholding labour standards nationwide.
The Western Cape led with the highest number of inspections, totalling 809. Gauteng followed with 764 inspections, and KwaZulu-Natal with 535. Inspections were also carried out in the North West (217), Eastern Cape (82), Free State (69) and Mpumalanga (59).
These joint inspections targeted key sectors and regions, with significant activity in the Western Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal.
These joint operations scrutinised compliance with laws, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, National Minimum Wage Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA), Employment Services Act, and promoting fairness and protecting workers.
Infractions such as underpayment of wages, illegal deductions, and unsafe working conditions were identified.
Tackling unemployment and undocumented workers
Meth expressed concern over South Africa’s unemployment rate of 33.5%, particularly among the youth.
"Concurrently, the widespread employment of undocumented foreign nationals raises concerns over exploitation and the circumvention of legal hiring practices.
“Our administration is committed to addressing these challenges comprehensively and humanely. We are collaborating closely with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that employment practices comply with immigration laws, and that all workers, regardless of their origin, are treated with dignity and fairness,” Meth said.
Strengthening oversight and enforcement
Looking ahead, Meth revealed plans to expand the Department of Labour’s inspectorate capacity from 2 000 to 20 000 inspectors over the next three years.
This will enhance the department’s ability to conduct more frequent and thorough inspections across the country.
The introduction of risk-based profiling will allow for targeted audits, prioritising industries and regions where violations are most prevalent.
“To maximise the effectiveness of our inspections, we will implement a risk profiling system. This approach will allow us to prioritise audits and inspections based on identified risks, thereby improving our capacity to address high-priority non-compliance areas more efficiently,” the Minister said.
The department will also introduce a specialised segment-focused compliance framework.
“Our enforcement strategy will be integrated and risk-based, enabling us to address all compliance issues at the workplace in a holistic and comprehensive manner, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met.
“Our commitment extends beyond enforcement; it is about fostering social justice and ensuring that every worker's rights are protected.
“Fair labour practices lead to increased morale, productivity and ultimately, a more robust economy. Together, we can build a society where economic prosperity and social equity reinforce each other,” Minister Meth said.
Supporting businesses: TERS, Productivity SA and the CCMA
In addition to enforcement, the Department of Employment and Labour is extending support to businesses by offering a range of services, fostering resilience, and ensuring harmonious labour relations.
Initiatives like the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) and free productivity services from Productivity SA aim to help businesses in financial distress and improve their operational efficiency.
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) also offers mediation services to resolve workplace disputes.
Operation Yazini: Raising Public Awareness
As part of Meth’s 100-day programme, Operation Yazini will be launched to raise awareness about the department’s services, including employment rights and compliance assistance.
This initiative aims to bring the department closer to communities, ensuring that employers and employees alike understand their legal obligations and rights.
“Through targeted advocacy and outreach, Operation Yazini seeks to inform the public about the wide range of support available, including labour rights, employment services, and compliance assistance,” the Minister said.
A call for collective action
Meth called for nationwide collaboration between employers, unions and civil society to create a fair and safe labour market.
“I urge all stakeholders, businesses, labour unions, civil society organisations, and fellow citizens to join us in this vital endeavour. Let us work collaboratively to create a labour market characterised by fairness, safety, and mutual respect,” the Minister said.
As inspections continue, the department remains committed to transparency, social justice, and the protection of workers’ rights across South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
