At least 50 undocumented immigrants were arrested during a joint inspection and raid at a construction site in Clayville, Ekurhuleni, carried out by the Department of Employment and Labour in collaboration with law enforcement authorities.
The operation targeted construction sites suspected of employing dozens of undocumented foreign nationals. Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya (referred to in the transcript as the deputy minister) led the effort, describing it as part of the department’s routine but intensified work to enforce labour laws in the construction sector.
Sibiya explained that the raids are a regular responsibility to ensure compliance with South African labour laws, particularly in construction, where recent building collapses in provinces such as George, Tongaat in KwaZulu-Natal, and Verulam highlighted serious risks. He noted that the department is “upping our game” following disturbing videos circulating online, including one showing a worker displaying a middle finger while claiming to be a non-South African employing illegal foreign immigrants without consequences.
During the inspection at one site—the second visited that day—inspectors identified more than 50 undocumented foreign nationals working. Sibiya stated that more than 60 illegal foreign immigrants were found across the operations mentioned. All were arrested, with authorities now verifying their permits and checking compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
A major concern emerged when inspectors discovered that permits used at the site were fraudulent. Sibiya called this “very disturbing,” linking such irregularities to risks seen in collapsed buildings. As a result, the site—a high-rise building—was ordered to be closed immediately. He emphasized that the construction is a government-contracted social housing project, making the violations particularly unacceptable as the company works for the state.
Sibiya stressed that the department will pursue the site owners and employers rigorously. Inspectors have collected all relevant files, including company certificates, registration details, and compliance records with systems such as SARS, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), and the Compensation Fund. They will verify ownership, minimum wage payments, and overall adherence to labour and immigration laws. A full report is expected by the end of the day.
Regarding the site’s future, Sibiya said the closure will remain in effect until the employer and company owner are addressed. A deeper investigation will examine how the fraudulent permits were obtained, involving all parties in the process. Construction specialists from the department will assess work already completed to determine if it meets standards and what steps are needed moving forward. South African workers may be prioritized in any resumption, aligning with efforts to address high unemployment by ensuring locals are given preference where skills allow.
Sibiya confirmed that similar inspections will continue nationwide, with teams active across the country. He highlighted the department’s approximately 2,300 inspectors—describing them as insufficient—and thanked President Ramaphosa for approving an additional 10,000 inspectors to strengthen enforcement. The construction sector is a priority, alongside others, amid concerns that jobs are being given to non-South Africans despite widespread local unemployment.
The deputy minister warned of harsher reforms to labour laws, including steeper fines and prosecutions in partnership with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). He asserted that non-compliance will no longer be tolerated through mere fines, signaling a tougher approach to ensure accountability and protect South African workers.