Labour Dept to increase number of labour inspectors to crack down on non-compliant businesses

JOHANNESBURG - The Labour Department is intensifying its crackdown on noncompliant businesses and undocumented foreign workers by ramping up the number of labour inspectors to 20,000. 
 
The move is part of a broader effort to ensure stricter enforcement of labour laws, particularly in sectors known for high levels of non-compliance, such as hospitality, logistics, and construction.
 
Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth confirmed that her department planned to hire an additional 18,000 inspectors to bolster the current inspection force.

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The additional inspectors will be tasked with conducting surprise inspections, enforcing minimum wage regulations, addressing occupational health and safety concerns, and ensuring businesses comply with immigration laws. 
 
Recent inspections have led to the arrest of 81 undocumented workers, with employers facing steep fines for non-compliance. 
 
Meth said the increased focus on inspections came after achieving a 105% inspection rate in the previous financial year.
 
"We plan to significantly expand our inspectorate, increasing the number of inspectors from 2,000 to 20,000."
 
She said this enhanced inspection regime would safeguard jobs for South Africans, and bring stability to various industries like hospitality, where illegal hiring practices have often gone unchecked.