The operation
A high-impact multidisciplinary compliance operation across Nelson Mandela Bay has placed worker safety, lawful business practices and responsible economic development at the centre of government's agenda.
The inspection, involving national leadership, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and law-enforcement agencies, is part of a coordinated effort to ensure that businesses comply with labour legislation and that workers are protected in the workplace.
So far, 19 undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested, while officials continue verifying compliance with labour laws across inspected sites.
Protecting workers through action
Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya addressed officials and stakeholders during an inspection at a construction site in Circular Drive.
The operation focused on occupational health and safety, fair remuneration, working conditions, registration with the Unemployment Insurance Fund and Compensation Fund, personal protective equipment, machinery and other requirements designed to safeguard workers.
The inspections send a clear message that economic activity must be matched by responsibility. Businesses have a duty to comply with the law, protect their employees and maintain workplaces where people can work safely and with dignity.
A government that works together
The joint operation brought together the Department of Employment and Labour under Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya, the Department of Home Affairs under Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza, the South African Police Service and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
The Nelson Mandela Bay operation demonstrates the importance of government departments and law-enforcement agencies working as one.
Labour compliance cannot be separated from public safety, local government, immigration control, investment and job creation. A coordinated approach allows authorities to identify risks, address violations and support businesses that operate within the law.
Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe
“As Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, we welcome this collaborative approach and remain committed to working alongside national government and our law-enforcement partners to protect our people, support compliant businesses and create an environment that enables investment, growth and job creation.” Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
The municipality welcomed the collaboration, describing it as an important step towards protecting residents, supporting compliant businesses and creating an environment that enables investment, growth and employment.
Sibiya: enforcement protects workers
Speaking during the national inspection-blitz campaign this month, Sibiya has been direct about the enforcement posture behind operations like this one.
Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya
“It is law enforcement. We have a responsibility as the state to enforce the laws of the Republic.” Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya, during the national inspection-blitz campaign
His message reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that workers are not left vulnerable to unsafe conditions, unfair pay or employers who ignore statutory obligations.
Compliance is not an obstacle to development. It is one of the foundations of a fair and productive economy.
The law applies to every workplace
The inspection focused on whether employers were meeting requirements relating to:
- Occupational health and safety
- Fair remuneration and working conditions
- UIF registration
- Compensation Fund registration
- Personal protective equipment
- Machinery and workplace safety
- Compliance with labour legislation
- The employment status and documentation of workers
These requirements exist to ensure that economic activity does not come at the expense of human lives, dignity and basic rights.
A workplace that ignores safety regulations places workers at risk and undermines responsible businesses that follow the rules.
Building a fairer local economy
The operation also supports the municipality's broader objective of building a safer, fairer and more productive Nelson Mandela Bay.
Businesses that comply with labour and safety requirements help create a more stable investment environment. They protect workers, reduce avoidable risks and contribute to an economy based on fair competition rather than exploitation.
The government's message is therefore balanced but firm: compliant businesses are partners in development, while those that disregard the law must face consequences.
National and local action
The participation of national government, the municipality and law-enforcement agencies illustrates the value of practical cooperation.
The operation is aligned with the government's commitment to decisive action, while reinforcing the municipality's stated focus on fixing local government and improving conditions for residents and businesses.
Through these inspections, authorities are not only identifying non-compliance. They are also strengthening accountability and restoring confidence that the law will be enforced.
A safer Nelson Mandela Bay
The 19 arrests form part of an ongoing process in which officials are verifying compliance and taking action where necessary.
The broader objective is to ensure that Nelson Mandela Bay becomes a place where:
- Workers are protected
- Businesses operate lawfully
- Employers meet their obligations
- Residents are treated with dignity
- Investment and job creation can grow
- Government works visibly and effectively
The multidisciplinary blitz inspections show the power of coordinated government action. From Circular Drive to communities across Nelson Mandela Bay, the message is clear: a productive economy must also be a lawful, safe and fair economy.
Follow the record on the ground
The People's Register reports on the work that keeps Nelson Mandela Bay safe, lawful and working.
Sources and further reading
This report draws on the primary account of the operation by the Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, the Department of Employment and Labour's public record, and national reporting on the inspection blitz campaign.
- Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe, statement on the multidisciplinary compliance inspection, 27 August 2026 (Facebook)
- Department of Employment and Labour, Inspection and Enforcement Services
- Labour Department flags widespread workplace non-compliance culture, EWN, 12 August 2026
- Crackdown looms for firms employing undocumented foreign workers, IOL, 12 June 2026