Cats roaming inside a food storeroom, meat being stored directly on the floor and allegations of workers completing 13-hour shifts without overtime pay are among the violations uncovered during a multi-disciplinary inspection operation in Johannesburg.
Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero are leading the inspections, which are targeting businesses across the city to ensure compliance with labour, health and other regulatory requirements.
During one inspection, officials discovered cats inside a storeroom where food was being kept, raising concerns about hygiene and food safety.
Inspectors also heard complaints from workers about extended working hours, with some allegedly working shifts of up to 13 hours without receiving overtime pay.
Other concerns included alleged non-compliance with the national minimum wage and meat being stored on the floor.
Meth said businesses found violating regulations would be issued with compliance notices and could face prosecution if they repeatedly fail to comply with the law.
The inspections are also focusing on the employment of undocumented foreign nationals.
Meth has urged employers to make use of the government’s database of more than seven million South African jobseekers when recruiting staff.
The ongoing operation is aimed at ensuring that businesses comply with labour laws while also addressing workplace safety, wage violations, employment practices and other regulatory breaches.
Authorities are expected to continue the inspections across Johannesburg as part of efforts to improve compliance among businesses.