Trending 
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said the government is stepping up workplace enforcement against employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals in violation of labour and immigration laws, following recent xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians and other African migrants in the country.
In his weekly newsletter published on Monday, Ramaphosa said the government would hire up to 10,000 inspectors through the Department of Labour and Employment to ensure compliance.
“We are stepping up workplace enforcement against employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals in violation of labour and immigration laws,” Ramaphosa wrote.
“We announced in the State of the Nation Address that we would be hiring up to 10,000 inspectors through the Department of Labour and Employment to ensure that our labour and immigration laws are adhered to.”
The president said some employers are exploiting undocumented, cheaper foreign labour over hiring citizens.
“In a country with high unemployment, some employers are exploiting undocumented, cheaper foreign labour over hiring citizens and paying them legal wages,” he said.
“Not only is this fuelling social tension, it is actively undermining our labour protection regime and eroding the hard-won rights of workers.”
In April, videos circulated widely on social media depicting groups of South Africans confronting Ghanaian and other African migrants. Some demanded proof of legal status and expressed anti-foreigner sentiments amid ongoing tensions over jobs, immigration and resources.
Ramaphosa condemned the violence, saying such acts were carried out by “opportunists who are exploiting the legitimate grievances, particularly those of the poor, under the false guise of ‘community activism’.”
“Such lawlessness will not be tolerated, regardless of who the perpetrators or victims are,” he said.
The president said the Border Management Authority (BMA) and the Defence Force are strengthening border security and combating illicit cross-border activity. He commended the BMA for intercepting some 450,000 people trying to enter South Africa illegally in the past financial year.
“We must make it clear that there is no place in South Africa for xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation, intolerance or violence,” Ramaphosa said.
“Everyone in South Africa is bound by the same laws, and we are committed to ensure that they are respected and upheld by citizens and foreign nationals alike.”
