KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has cautioned local businesses against hiring foreign nationals as a source of cheap labour, warning that the practice is fuelling intolerance and unfair competition in the province’s labour market.
Speaking at an Africa Day celebration in Ulundi on Sunday, Ntuli condemned the exploitation of foreign workers, particularly those from other African countries, saying it undermines social cohesion and deepens divisions between communities.
“We are concerned about those who employ our brothers and sisters from other African countries and pay them peanuts. They are being abused,” said Ntuli. “This kind of labour practice creates toxic and unequal competition between the people of KwaZulu-Natal and our fellow Africans, causing them to view each other as adversaries rather than neighbours.”
Ntuli stressed that the government has a responsibility not only to protect South African workers, but also to shield foreign nationals from exploitation. He called for stricter enforcement of labour regulations and documentation.
“We must take a stand. We must ensure they have proper permits, and we must ensure no business gets away with paying workers unfairly,” he added.
The premier’s remarks come amid ongoing debates around immigration, labour rights, and social cohesion in South Africa.