Employment and Labour Deputy Minister, Jomo Sibiya, alongside the Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, on 24 July 2025, led a successful series of Multidisciplinary High-Impact Blitz Inspections in Kimberley, Northern Cape.

The inspections were conducted in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and other enforcement agencies, with the aim of strengthening compliance with labour legislation and ensuring no sector is left behind. The operation was supported by Acting Director-General Jacky Molisane, Chief Inspector Milly Ruiters, and Inspector General Aggy Moiloa.

“We are a country where laws are often disregarded, and compliance is lacking. It is our duty to ensure that labour laws are respected and enforced," said Deputy Minister Sibiya.

He reaffirmed the Department's strong position on compliance, stating, “No employer is above the law. We are committed to ensuring that all workers, irrespective of nationality, are treated fairly."

The inspections, led by the Department's Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch, focused on assessing compliance with the following labour laws:

• Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)
• National Minimum Wage Act (NMWA)
• Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
• Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA)
• Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act (UICA)

• Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA)
  
  The blitz began at Kimberley Hardware Store, owned by a Pakistani national. Several serious violations were discovered, including underpayment of wages, unsafe working conditions, and failure to register employees for UIF contributions.
  
  The employer was fined R55,398.96 for breaches of multiple labour laws. In addition, over 10 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested on-site and taken into custody by immigration officers and SAPS.
  
  The second inspection targeted Candy Blue Liquor Store, operated by Chinese nationals. Although registered as a wholesale distributor, the store was unlawfully operating as a retail outlet. Inspectors uncovered breaches of liquor licensing laws, municipal by-laws, and labour legislation.
  
  Employees lacked valid contracts, were not compensated for overtime, and worked under unsafe conditions. SAPS, led by Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana, arrested 5 (five) undocumented workers at the premises.
  
  In total, four integrated inspections were carried out, and all employers were found to be non-compliant. Notable violations included:

• Underpayment of the National Minimum Wage: R285,971.90
• Non-payment for overtime, work on public holidays and Sundays: R21,374.10
• Failure to issue payslips and employment particulars
• Lack of weekly rest periods and absence of attendance registers
• Failure to register and declare employees to UIF and Compensation Fund

• Unsafe and unhygienic working conditions, including lack of PPE, poor ventilation, exposed wiring, and missing certifications.
  
  The total amount owed to workers stands at R333,395.48, while fines imposed for non-compliance total R635,986.29.
  
  Enforcement actions included four Contravention Notices, six Prohibition Notices and four Compliance Orders each issued under the UIA, COIDA, and BCEA/NMWA.
  
  The direct involvement of provincial leadership, including the Chief Inspector, Chief Director Provincial Operations, Zolile Albanie, and enforcement teams, contributed significantly to the success of the operation. While some employers were apprehensive, the inspections also served an advocacy purpose, increasing awareness of legal obligations and promoting cooperation.
  
  These multidisciplinary blitz inspections reaffirm the government's unwavering commitment to protecting workers' rights and ensuring compliance with labour legislation across all sectors.
  
  For media enquiries, please contact:
  
  Teboho Thejane
  
  Departmental Spokesperson
  
  082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za
  
  -ENDS-
  
  Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour
  
   
  
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