NKOMAZI, Mpumalanga — A coordinated Mpumalanga labour inspection has led to the detention of 18 illegal migrants at a large agricultural facility in Nkomazi. The multi-agency operation, spearheaded by the Department of Employment and Labour alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Home Affairs, highlights a stringent provincial crackdown on illegal employment practices and workplace non-compliance.
The targeted farm, which reportedly sustains a workforce of over 1,000 individuals—including nearly 200 Mozambican nationals—asserted that it operated within legal boundaries. However, Department of Employment and Labour officials refuted these claims during the on-site evaluation, confirming that the facility was harboring individuals without proper legal work status. The overarching goal of the sweep was to promote lawful employment, rectify regulatory breaches, and protect the fundamental rights of all workers.
Representatives from the Department of Home Affairs verified that the 18 foreign nationals are currently undergoing status verification and processing, and will subsequently be transferred to SAPS custody. Officials emphasized that the farm’s management will be formally engaged and educated on immigration statutes to prevent the future hiring of undocumented workers.
This Nkomazi intervention is part of a wider, multi-district enforcement campaign. Authorities recently executed compliance sweeps across three key Mpumalanga districts: Nkangala, Ehlanzeni, and Gert Sibande. During these operations, investigators identified approximately 15 business owners in the eMalahleni area violating national labour legislation. Formal compliance notices have been served to these entities, mandating immediate corrective action.
Additionally, the broader probe revealed a pattern of several eMalahleni-based employers knowingly hiring undocumented immigrants. Department of Home Affairs spokespersons confirmed that these specific cases are actively being processed for legal enforcement and deportation.
When approached for a statement regarding the enforcement actions, the ownership of the Nkomazi farm declined to comment. Provincial authorities have signaled that these rigorous labour inspections will persist across the region to ensure strict, ongoing adherence to South African workplace and immigration laws.
