The South African National Unemployment Union is marching to demand better enforcement of labour laws and tackle the urgent unemployment crisis affecting the youth.
Image: Ron Lach/Pexels
Allegations of labour law and immigration non-compliance in parts of the private sector are expected to come under scrutiny during a planned march to Durban City Hall next week, as the South African National Unemployment Union (SANUU) links the issue to broader concerns over unemployment.
The march, scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, will begin at King Dinuzulu Park at 9am and proceed through the Durban CBD, where a memorandum is set to be handed over at City Hall.
The march comes after a series of ‘clean-up campaigns’ by the March and March movement in the Durban CBD has seen violent confrontations between members of the movement and foreign nationals. Businesses in the CBD have also closed their doors in the past week fearing looting and other incidents.
Police on Wednesday warned that only law enforcement authorities are allowed to ask foreign nationals for identification documents or permits to prove they are legally in the country. The police said vigilante acts would be dealt with.
SANUU spokesperson Nhlakanipho Ntombela said the organisation has received “consistent reports of labour law and immigration non-compliance” in sectors such as construction, hospitality, security, and retail, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas including the Durban CBD and surrounding townships.
“We are also concerned that in some cases, employers may prefer undocumented or vulnerable workers because they can be paid below legal standards. This creates an uneven labour environment where both South African citizens and legally employed foreign nationals are undermined,” Ntombela said.
He stated that the union’s position is based on enforcing existing laws and protecting all workers from exploitation. “Proper enforcement of work permit regulations and labour laws is essential to protect all workers and prevent exploitation,” he added.
The union said the march will also address what it describes as an “urgent unemployment crisis” in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly affecting young people and township communities.
Among its demands are increased industrialisation in townships, revitalisation of ageing industrial zones, and job creation through infrastructure development and support for local businesses.
SANUU has identified areas such as Isipingo Industrial Area, Prospecton Industrial Basin, and Jacobs Industrial Area as priority zones for refurbishment, arguing that these could generate employment in manufacturing and logistics if revived.
Ntombela said the union is advocating for a minimum of 70% local labour participation in infrastructure projects to ensure that “public investment directly benefits those most impacted by unemployment”.
The organisation has also committed to a peaceful demonstration. “We are fully committed to a peaceful and disciplined march,” Ntombela said, adding that marshals would be deployed and authorities engaged to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
He said SANUU would consider further action, including additional marches and formal engagements with government departments, if the response to its demands is insufficient.
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