Cape Town – Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has called for harsher sanctions against business owners who knowingly employ undocumented foreigners.
Motsoaledi and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane joined forces for a stakeholder engagement and session to monitor service delivery in Gqeberha.
Motsoaledi advocated for implementing by-laws to prevent such businesses.
The minister proposed fines or imprisonment for those employing illegal foreigners, with escalating penalties for subsequent convictions.
[WATCH] Home affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi calls for harsher sanctions against companies or individuals who give employment to illegal foreigners in South Africa. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/Jk62kULaRc
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) February 19, 2024
“Anyone who knowingly employs an illegal foreigner or a foreigner in violation of this act shall be guilty of an offence and liable, upon conviction, to a fine or imprisonment not exceeding one year. Additionally, a second conviction of such an offence shall be punishable by imprisonment not exceeding two years or a fine,” Motsoaledi said.
He added: “A third subsequent conviction of such an offence shall result in imprisonment not exceeding five years without the option of a fine.”
Stakeholders also agreed on joint inspections of businesses to ensure compliance with laws and audits of spaza shops in villages and townships.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
