Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth has dismissed claims that South Africa is experiencing shortages of key workers following the departure of some foreign nationals amid calls by anti-immigration groups.
Meth was speaking to the media at Central Park Shopping Centre in Johannesburg’s inner city, where she led multidisciplinary high-impact blitz inspections alongside Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero on Friday.
The inspections are focused on compliance with labour laws, immigration legislation, environmental health regulations and municipal by-laws, while also ensuring that workers’ rights are protected.
Meth says claims that the departure of foreign nationals has created a shortage of workers are based on perception rather than fact.
“We are not short of qualified and capable citizens in South Africa,” Meth said.
She acknowledged that some foreign nationals had left the country voluntarily, but said the situation should be viewed within the broader context of South Africa’s immigration and labour challenges.
“It is unfortunate that our foreign brothers and sisters had to leave the way they left, of course through voluntary repatriation, but because of the situation that we find ourselves in,” she said.
Meth warned that labour inspections will become more stringent, particularly in industries where employers are allegedly failing to comply with regulations on the employment of South Africans.
She said the department would focus its attention on sectors considered high-risk, including agriculture, road freight and hospitality.
“My particular attention will be paying to now all those notorious industries that they know they never complied in terms of prioritising South Africans, in particular the agricultural sector, the road and freight and hospitality,” Meth said.
During Friday’s inspections, officials also shut down a butchery in the Johannesburg inner city after it was found to be contravening environmental health standards.
Cats were found inside the premises, while Newsnote also observed food products that had expired.
The closure forms part of the broader enforcement operation aimed at ensuring businesses comply with health, labour and municipal regulations.
The inspections are expected to continue as authorities intensify efforts to crack down on non-compliant businesses and protect workers’ rights.
