Unemployed South Africans are unhappy with the government’s decision to allow foreigners to return to South Africa to work in the mines whilst sidelining locals. The Minerals Council South Africa made an announcement that 9,500 workers mostly from Mozambique and Lesotho are set to return to the country to resume working in the mines subject to strict regulations to avoid the spread of Covid-19.
The locals are not impressed by the fact that the mining industry employs only 10% foreigners and the rest are locals.
The Minerals Council made the announcement on Thursday 4 June, and it was met with rebuke and trended on social media with the handle #PutSouthAfricansFirst.
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“Some members of the Minerals Council requested us to approach the national Department of Health to request a dispensation that would allow for the return of foreign workers from their home countries. We have received a list of 9,500 from our members. The return of the foreign employees will take place under very strict agreed conditions,” said Nikisi Lesufi, the senior executive for environment, health and legacies.
Data from the industry reveals that a total of 227,000 workers in the mining industry have been screened with 7000 having been tested. 527 covid-19 cases have been identified.
Foreign workforce in the mining sector is set to decline further as companies struggle to contain costs caused by the pandemic. Countries like Lesotho would be hit hard by the reduction in foreign labour in South Africa.