Deputy Minister’s Initiative Reveals Disturbing Labour Law Violations in Vereeniging

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The Department of Employment and Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services in Gauteng, carried out an inspection in Vereeniging as a component of the Joint Blitz Programme.

The operation was executed in partnership with the South African Police Service, the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services, Local Traffic Police, and Emfuleni Fire and Rescue Services.

The inspection evaluated adherence to essential labour and occupational health laws, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the National Minimum Wage Act, the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), and Unemployment Insurance regulations.

The company currently employs a total of 78 workers, consisting of 36 South African nationals and 42 foreign nationals. A significant level of non-compliance has been identified during the inspection.

Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya, said employees were reportedly working without contracts or payslips, were deprived of annual leave, and received salaries below the national minimum wage.

“Furthermore, the employer did not maintain required employment records, failed to submit the Return of Earnings, and neglected to pay assessments for the 2023–2025 period, in violation of COIDA regulations.

Labour Law Violations

“The company was also not registered for Unemployment Insurance and had not declared its employees. Improvement notices mandated the labelling of machinery in languages comprehensible to all employees and the implementation of oil spill precautions.

“Prohibition notices were issued to cease operations involving a mixing plant releasing hazardous chemical dust, to prevent eating in production areas, to restrict forklift use by untrained personnel, and to stop the use of unsafe electrical systems, improperly stacked sacks, worn machinery tyres, and the indoor storage of 48kg LPG cylinders.

“Additionally, work was prohibited in a factory not authorized by the Fire Chief, and the use of a steel container as a change room was disallowed,” he explained.

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Sibiya stated that authorities reported several violations, including the employment of undocumented foreign nationals, resulting in the detention of four individuals, including the employer.

He added; “Additionally, an unauthorized tunnel leading to the municipal drainage system was discovered and subsequently referred to the Emfuleni Municipality.

“Enforcement notices have been issued, and the Department’s IES will closely monitor compliance. Any failure to comply will lead to referral to Statutory Services for potential prosecution.”