Newly appointed Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has announced a significant increase in inspections across various industries, including restaurants, spaza shops, farms, and mines, to combat the issue of undocumented workers. This initiative is part of his commitment to bolster national security and economic growth.
Striking a Balance: Welcoming Legal Contributors
During his budget speech vote, Schreiber emphasized that while South Africa is open to those who legally contribute through skills, investments, and tourism, stronger measures are necessary to address illegal immigration. "We must do so both because it is central to our national security but also out of our commitment to economic growth," Schreiber stated. He highlighted the importance of maintaining control over the country's borders and internal security to attract investment and tourism.
Increased Inspections and Collaborative Efforts
Schreiber plans to ramp up inspections by 50% in the coming year, collaborating with other departments for more effective enforcement. "I will be reaching out to colleagues in the relevant departments to conduct joint operations, to maximize our ability to hold everyone involved in illegal activities to account," he explained.
Tragic Catalyst: The George Building Collapse
This announcement comes after a tragic incident in George, Western Cape, where a building collapse resulted in the deaths of several foreign workers, many of whom were undocumented and underpaid. This tragedy underscored the need for stricter enforcement of labor laws and documentation requirements.
Community and Industry Reactions
Bayanda Radebe from the Ratanda Spaza Shop Forum in Gauteng expressed mixed emotions but overall support for the crackdown, noting its potential to boost the economy by eradicating undocumented workers. Similarly, NUM spokesperson Livhuwani Mammburu supported the initiative, highlighting the instability caused by illegal miners in the industry.
Aggrey Mahanjana of the African Farmers’ Association of SA stressed the importance of comprehensive enforcement across all sectors, including the agriculture industry, to ensure that all workers are properly documented.
Grace Harding, chairperson of The Restaurant Collective, called for inspections to be conducted in a respectful manner to avoid scaring patrons and international tourists. She recounted past incidents where aggressive enforcement had negatively impacted customer experience.
Minister Schreiber’s plan represents a decisive step towards addressing illegal immigration, aiming to secure South Africa’s borders while fostering a favorable environment for economic growth and lawful contribution.