Amajuba District officials are urging decisive action to tackle the exploitation of foreign nationals for cheap labor. This follows the arrest of more than 200 undocumented migrants last week during raids at four textile factories in Newcastle.
The factories, owned by Chinese business entities, were found employing individuals aged between 18 and 51. Law enforcement officers discovered the workers inside warehouses during the operation.
On Monday, at least 260 undocumented migrants are expected to appear in the Newcastle Magistrate’s Court to face charges. The factory owners, accused of violating immigration laws, have been released on bail pending further legal proceedings.
District Municipal Mayor Ndabuko Zulu condemned the exploitation, stating, “These companies employ foreign nationals because they know they lack rights and cannot report labor abuses. They are being used as cheap labor.”
Zulu also called for stricter enforcement of labor laws to prevent such practices. “We need to enforce the laws of this country and ensure proper oversight and monitoring of workplaces to address these issues. It’s the responsibility of our leadership to take decisive action,” he added.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions on labor rights, immigration enforcement, and workplace oversight in South Africa.