Labour crackdown: Two foreign nationals and factory owner arrested in Isithebe
Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, said the operation was to assess working conditions and the use of undocumented workers in the region.
Two illegal foreign nationals and a factory owner in Isithebe were arrested last Friday in a special operation to combat illegal employment in Mandeni.
The purpose of the operation, led by Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, was to assess working conditions at local factories and the use of undocumented workers in the region.
Ntuli said the inspection aligned with the provincial government’s priority to restore order, enhancing security, and ensure businesses operate in a safe and compliant environment.
He emphasised the urgency of ensuring that workers’ rights are protected.
iLembe police spokesperson, Captain Alex Thomson, confirmed that the factory owner was arrested for employing illegal immigrants.
“This operation was a joint effort between the premier’s office, Saps iLembe District and other government departments,” said Thomson.
He said they would continue with such operations to ensure compliance.
iLembe Chamber of Commerce CEO, Cobus Oelefse, commended the operation, acknowledging that the problem of illegal employment has been a concern for some time.
“The existence of undocumented labour distorts the competitive landscape and creates social tension,” said Oelefse.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining compliance to ensure fairness and competitiveness in the business sector.
Oelefse also highlighted the need for a local Labour department office in Isithebe to support ongoing efforts to improve business retention and address labour issues.
“The re-establishment of public and private sector services will enhance Isithebe’s reputation as a thriving industrial cluster,” he said.
Police arrested 42 illegal foreigners in the KwaDukuza central business district last November and had previously arrested a factory owner and 38 undocumented foreigners in Isithebe in 2022.
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