The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) has expressed deep concern over the increasing integration of foreign nationals into the South African labour market, warning that such practices are allegedly taking place without adherence to the country’s immigration and labour laws.

Citing the nation’s high unemployment rate, the ANCWL expressed serious concern about the impact of employing foreign workers over qualified South African citizens.

In a statement, ANCWL secretary general Nokuthula Nqaba highlighted sectors such as hospitality, construction, and petroleum, particularly in areas like Bloubergstrand in Cape Town, as key industries where foreign nationals are reportedly being hired without valid work permits or due process.

Quoting the Employment Services Act of 2014, the ANCWL reminded employers that: “An employer may not employ a foreign national within the territory of the Republic of South Africa prior to such foreign national producing an applicable and valid work permit, issued in terms of the Immigration Act.”

Further allegations were raised regarding public institutions, including the Central University of Technology (CUT) in the Free State.

According to the ANCWL, there are claims that foreign nationals have been hired at CUT without proper vetting or possession of unique skills unavailable locally.

The League noted that the Vice-Chancellor of the university “could not explain some of the issues of the university’s recruitment protocols” when questioned by Parliament’s relevant portfolio committee.

The ANCWL argues that this alleged practice contravenes another key requirement of the Employment Services Act, which mandates that: “Employers must satisfy themselves that there are no other persons in the Republic with suitable skills to fill a vacancy, before recruiting a foreign national.”

Citing media reports and parliamentary findings, the League expressed frustration that South Africans with equivalent qualifications, particularly unemployed graduates, are being overlooked for job opportunities.

“Recent publications from both print and online media have divulged information from various sectors of our struggling economy, where foreign nationals have been preferred over local people,” the League said.

Calling for urgent action, Nqaba made a “clarion call to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Higher Education and Training, Home Affairs, and other relevant law enforcement agencies to institute thorough investigations to ascertain the validity of these representations.”

She further urged government to conduct a “rigorous evaluation of all institutions of higher learning and to ensure compliance with our current legislation, in order to instill the principles of fairness and concurrence with our legislative framework.”

The ANCWL emphasised that respect for the rule of law and prioritising South African workers is critical, particularly in light of the country’s high unemployment rate.

The League reiterated its stance, declaring that it “remains unapologetic in its resolve to be the voice of the voiceless and to continue the fight against abject poverty, high unemployment and the emancipation of women from all forms of discrimination.”

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za 

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