NKOMAZI, Mpumalanga — A recent Mpumalanga labour inspection blitz has resulted in the detention of 18 illegal migrants at a commercial farm in Nkomazi. The joint operation, involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Employment and Labour, and the Department of Home Affairs, underscores a renewed provincial focus on promoting lawful employment, addressing workplace non-compliance, and protecting workers’ rights.
According to officials from the Department of Employment and Labour, the inspection was designed to investigate regulatory breaches and verify workplace conditions. While the farm in question—which employs over 1,000 workers, including nearly 200 Mozambican nationals—claimed to be fully compliant with national regulations, labour department representatives disputed this assertion following their on-site assessment.
Spokespersons for the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the 18 undocumented foreign nationals are currently being processed and will be taken into SAPS custody. Home Affairs officials further noted that the employer will be formally engaged and educated on legal requirements to ensure the facility does not hire undocumented individuals in the future.
The Nkomazi operation is part of a broader provincial crackdown on illegal labour practices. Authorities reported visiting three major districts in Mpumalanga, including Nkangala, Ehlanzeni, and Gert Sibande. During these targeted sweeps, officials identified approximately 15 employers in the eMalahleni area who are failing to comply with national labour legislation. Formal compliance notices have already been issued to these businesses, mandating immediate corrective action.
Furthermore, investigations revealed that several employers in the eMalahleni region are actively hiring undocumented immigrants. Department of Home Affairs representatives confirmed that these specific cases are already being processed for deportation and legal enforcement.
The owners of the Nkomazi farm declined to comment on the ongoing operations. Authorities have indicated that further labour inspections and compliance checks are expected to continue across the province in the coming weeks to ensure sustained adherence to South African labour and immigration laws.
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