The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) has confirmed its support for the recent arrest of undocumented foreign nationals at Westmead Mining and Logistics, following a joint inspection with law enforcement and government departments last week.
In a press statement issued on 14 July 2025, SATAWU said it had long raised alarms about non-compliant companies in the road freight sector hiring undocumented foreigners as truck drivers – a move the union calls a direct insult to unemployed South Africans.
“At Westmead Mining we found 22 foreign employees, 9 of whom were undocumented. We are pleased to announce that the operations manager was arrested and a case was opened,” the statement reads.
SATAWU said inspections are being carried out in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Labour, Department of Transport, and SAPS, with several operations already concluded in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal.
Read | 20 Undocumented Foreigners Busted at Durban Trucking Company in Surprise Raid
The union emphasised that driving a truck is not a specialised skill and should be reserved for South African citizens. It added that non-compliant companies often violate other labour laws, such as unauthorised deductions and operating outside the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI).
“We are unapologetic in saying that South Africans must be prioritised for these jobs,” SATAWU stated, urging the public to report any companies employing undocumented foreigners.
The union vowed to continue its efforts until fairness and compliance are restored in the road freight sector. “A lot has been done, and there is a difference, but a lot still needs to be done,” it said.
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