KZN mayor addresses high unemployment amid crackdown on undocumented workers
Authorities conducted an unexpected raid at a firm in Estcourt, targeting the employment of undocumented workers.
Image: Facebook
A KwaZulu-Natal mayor has lashed out at firms employing undocumented foreign nationals while locals are sitting jobless at home.
Inkosi Langalibalele mayor Mduduzi Myeza said the municipality launched a campaign to inspect all firms in Estcourt (Mtshezi) to see if any were employing undocumented immigrants.
“We raided these firms unexpectedly at noon, and all I can say is that I am very disappointed that several firms are employing undocumented immigrants,” Myeza said on Thursday.
He said at the former Masonite factory, they arrested about 10 undocumented workers.
At a company where building blocks were being made, they arrested more than six undocumented workers.
Some fled when they saw the police.
Mayor Mduduzi Myeza (fourth from left) led the campaign against the employment of undocumented foreign nationals in Estcourt.
Image: Facebook
“What we can confirm is that even where it is said that a large number of foreign workers have fled before we arrived, what we have seen is that they know each other. While we were at one firm, they were calling others to flee,” Myeza said.
“What I can confirm is that a campaign like this will continue, and we will continue to raid without anyone knowing.
“In collaboration with the Home Affairs Immigrations Unit and the SAPS through the different units, we have arrested 13 undocumented workers.
“We were also taking an employer to explain why they are hiring undocumented foreign workers while locals are sitting at home without work.”
An unannounced raid was carried out by authorities at an Estcourt firm, focusing on the hiring of undocumented workers.
Image: Facebook
Myeza also noted the unemployment rate, saying that undocumented foreigners cannot fill local factories, while a large number of people were sitting at home unemployed.
“This is an opportunity for you, as local residents, to blow the whistle and let us know if there are any places you know that are hiring undocumented foreign workers,” Myeza said.
“This campaign continues unabated, as it will greatly contribute to combating the high level of unemployment. These vacancies must be filled and will be filled by putting local people in the job market.”
Durban Metro Police enforced immigration laws, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat illegal employment.
Image: Facebook
Meanwhile, in the eThekwini Municipality, Durban Metro Police Service spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu said: “During the course of this week, our specialised team in Westville arrested 10 illegal immigrants who were working as motorbike delivery drivers.
“Furthermore, in the month of August alone, another specialised team under the City Manager’s Crime Prevention Programme effected 34 arrests of illegal immigrants.”
The Durban Metro Police apprehended 10 undocumented workers in Westville.
Image: Facebook
Zungu said metro police enforce the law without fear or favour.
“It must, however, be emphasised that Metro Police currently do not have the capability to verify immigration status directly, and we therefore rely on the Department of Home Affairs for confirmation,” Zungu said.
“The imminent rollout of the Smart Policing Project will significantly enhance this process by granting Metro Police direct access to the Home Affairs immigration system, along with other critical databases such as Customs for illicit goods. This integration will ensure more efficient, accurate, and accountable law enforcement for the residents of eThekwini.”
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za