A recent unannounced government inspection at Twinsaver in Ekurhuleni found the company largely compliant with labour, immigration, occupational health and safety, and municipal requirements. The inspection, conducted by the Employment and Labour Department, Home Affairs, police, and the City of Ekurhuleni, was part of a joint compliance and enforcement operation. Twinsaver, a South African manufacturing company, was the second major site targeted during the operation.
Employment and Labour Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya commended Twinsaver for its compliance, stating that the company adheres to all labour laws, immigration laws, and other regulations. Inspectors found that directly employed workers had contracts, payslips, and personal protective equipment. Sibiya noted that the company pays its employees at a minimum wage level and that there are no undocumented foreign nationals directly employed by Twinsaver.
However, the inspection identified a compliance issue involving a subcontractor operating at the factory. While most subcontractors inspected were compliant, one undocumented foreign national working for a subcontractor was arrested. Sibiya emphasized that Twinsaver has assured authorities that it will tighten oversight of subcontractors operating on its premises to prevent similar incidents.
The findings at Twinsaver contrast with those made earlier at Africa Steel and Tube, where inspectors raised concerns about alleged underpayment, occupational safety issues, and the suspected employment of undocumented foreign nationals. Sibiya praised Twinsaver, saying that the company is a good example to learn from, particularly in terms of occupational health and safety compliance.
The inspection was part of a broader enforcement drive aimed at checking compliance across several areas simultaneously. Sibiya highlighted the importance of collaboration between government departments, stating that Employment and Labour inspectors do not have jurisdiction or expertise over every violation encountered at businesses. He emphasized that collaboration is necessary to see the impact of these operations.
Twinsaver also received a positive assessment from the City of Ekurhuleni over its municipal payments. Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said the company’s account, amounting to about R850,000, was up to date and paid on time. Xhakaza stressed that payments by large businesses are crucial to the municipality’s ability to continue delivering services.
The wider inspection campaign is examining various aspects, including business licences, building control, zoning and land-use compliance, as well as payments for water and electricity. Xhakaza emphasized that the municipality checks for by-law enforcement in terms of building control, ensuring that structures are in good condition to operate. The campaign aims to ensure that businesses comply with all regulations and pay for services.
Key points
- Twinsaver was found largely compliant with labour, immigration, and safety regulations during an unannounced government inspection in Ekurhuleni.
- One undocumented foreign national working for a subcontractor was arrested during the inspection.
- The City of Ekurhuleni commended Twinsaver for its timely municipal payments, amounting to about R850,000.
