Multidisciplinary teams of labour inspectors, police and municipal officials conducted unannounced inspections at factories in Hammersdale on Friday and uncovered a series of alleged labour and immigration contraventions, authorities said.
What inspectors found
The operation, which included the deputy minister of employment and labour, Jomo Sibiya, alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS), Home Affairs and eThekwini metro police, focused on workplace compliance with labour and immigration laws.
Inspectors reported that workers at at least one factory were denied basic workplace protections required under South African legislation. Officials said Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), uniforms and masks were not being provided, leaving employees exposed to potential hazards.
“The Occupational Health and Safety Act is literally undermined. Workers are not having Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); they don’t have uniforms or masks, and they are exposed to serious dangers.”
The inspections also identified alleged contraventions of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. Authorities said some employees had no written contracts, did not receive payslips, missed leave entitlements and in some instances were not paid the minimum wage.
Immigration enforcement and arrests
During the sweep, officials found 25 Lesotho nationals and two Chinese nationals working without valid permits. The eThekwini municipality said those individuals were detained and processed in line with immigration legislation.
In addition, three Chinese employers at the premises were arrested for alleged immigration-related offences, according to the municipality. Authorities stressed that allegations will be processed through the appropriate legal channels.
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Foreign nationals detained | 27 |
| Employers arrested | 3 |
Officials' response and next steps
Municipal and national officials said the inspections form part of a sustained effort to ensure employers operate within the legal framework and to halt the exploitation of workers through unsafe conditions or underpayment.
Authorities highlighted that the multidisciplinary visits will continue under directives from the Presidency to enforce labour and immigration law compliance.
- Enforcement focus: labour law and immigration compliance
- Main concerns: lack of PPE, absence of contracts, unpaid wages, missing payslips
- Immediate outcomes: 27 foreign nationals detained and three employers arrested
Local impact
Hammersdale is part of the broader eThekwini municipal area, and workplace inspections of this nature have direct consequences for workers and employers in the region. For employees, the findings underscore ongoing vulnerabilities around workplace safety and contractual protection. For employers, the operation signals closer scrutiny and potential legal repercussions for non‑compliance.
One worker cited in reports said she has worked at the factory since 2022 and that wages had not been paid for two weeks at the time of the inspection. Authorities will need to verify wage arrears and other employment-related claims as part of any follow-up action.
Practical information for workers and employers
Workers who believe their rights under the Occupational Health and Safety Act or the Basic Conditions of Employment Act have been violated can report concerns to the Department of Employment and Labour. Employers are reminded that providing PPE, keeping accurate pay records and issuing payslips and contracts are legal obligations.
Immigration status issues are dealt with by Home Affairs; employing individuals without lawful work permits can lead to detention of the workers and criminal charges or administrative action against the employer.
The municipality said it will continue to cooperate with SAPS, Home Affairs and national labour officials to ensure workplaces meet statutory obligations and that exploitation is not used to lower operating costs.
Further details on regulatory follow-up, possible prosecutions or labour remedies were not provided by authorities in initial statements and will be reported as they become available.
