The company now faces the prospect of having assets attached by the sheriff after allegedly failing to comply with labour laws and a Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) order involving more than 390 workers.

The revelations emerged during a multi-agency enforcement operation conducted in Mangaung on Wednesday (10/6), led by deputy minister of employment and labour Jomo Sibiya. The operation included labour inspectors, police and immigration officials, and forms part of government’s intensified campaign against illegal immigration and labour law violations.

The crackdown comes amid growing public pressure on the government to enforce labour legislation and clamp down on businesses accused of exploiting vulnerable workers while ignoring basic workplace safety standards.

During an inspection of the Thaba Nchu steel company, Sibiya openly confronted management over what he said was a complete failure to provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees working in hazardous conditions.

“We want to see how your workers are treated in the company, that’s why I got angry when I told you there is no PPE in your company. 

“When I say there is no PPE is what I see, and you are saying you differ with me, and I just showed a guy who is wearing torn boots and everything, overalls that are in the worst conditions, some are not even wearing masks while they are doing sanding and everything.” 

The deputy minister's remarks paint a disturbing picture of conditions allegedly faced by workers at the facility. Adding to the controversy are allegations some employees suffered serious workplace injuries, including the loss of fingers while on duty. Sibiya indicated authorities have evidence relating to such incidents.

The labour dispute appears to extend beyond safety concerns. Sibiya said the company owes workers R23 million following disputes involving injuries on duty and alleged violations of wage regulations.

“In our other inspection work, when we came here, we found issues with the payment of your employees. We even went to CCMA with you regarding the issue of R23 million that is owed to your workers, and I can tell you the order has expired. We are going to go to the sheriff so we attach some of your assets to cover R23 million owed to over 390 workers.”

Chinese nationals are also residing within the business premises. Authorities further noted several dogs, including pit bulls, were being kept on-site.

Questions were also raised about employee remuneration after inspectors allegedly found workers receiving what appeared to be makeshift payslips on small pieces of paper. 

The payslip provided showed workers were reportedly earning around R2,000 over a four-night period, raising concerns about compliance with labour regulations.

The payslip paper for workers at a steel company in Thaba Nchu. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

The operation later shifted to businesses in Thaba Nchu, many of which are reportedly owned by foreign nationals. There, Sibiya expressed frustration over what he alleged were widespread labour and immigration violations.

Officials claimed some Somali and Ethiopian business owners were unable to produce the required documentation. At the same time, workers employed at certain shops were allegedly being paid as little as R400 a week, equivalent to approximately R1,600 a month.

Several foreign nationals who could not provide documentation during the operation were apprehended and taken to a local police station for further processing.

Alleged undocumented foreign nationals arrested during an operation in Thaba Nchu. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi 

The operation is likely to fuel an already heated national debate around illegal immigration, labour exploitation and the enforcement of South Africa's labour laws. 

Critics argue authorities have for years failed to act decisively against businesses accused of underpaying workers and ignoring workplace safety standards, while others warn against painting all foreign-owned businesses with the same brush.

Deputy minister of employment and labour Jomo Sibiya checking documents of foreign-owned shops in Thaba Nchu. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi 

Sibiya, however, made it clear the inspections are far from over. He said the unannounced visits will continue throughout the country as the government intensifies efforts to enforce labour laws, protect workers and ensure compliance with immigration legislation.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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