Cosatu slams China for importing labour
2010-01-31 14:00
SOUTH AFRICAN trade unions are angry that visas were granted to
more than 50 construction workers from mainland China who are building new
premises for the Chinese consulate in Cape Town.
Construction began in 2007 and will continue until next
April.
The Department of Home Affairs says technically the Chinese workers
are not working in South Africa because the land on which the consulate is being
built is considered to be Chinese territory.
“That’s probably how they got permission (to import foreign
labour),” said Rebecca Bowman of the department this week.
Immigration experts say the law gives the home affairs ministry the
power to grant foreigners the right to reside in the country if special
circumstances exist. Normally foreigners applying for work permits need to
prove that there are no South Africans with the necessary skills to do the
job.
Chinese vice consul Yan Li said this week the Chinese workers had
all been issued with special “staff member of consulate” visas, which are
similar to diplomatic visas.
“The construction has been approved by the South African
government. This includes the plans and the use of (foreign) workers,” she said,
adding it was “normal” for Chinese consulates and embassies to import Chinese
labour for construction projects in foreign countries.
Lesiba Seshoka, spokesperson of the National Union of Mineworkers –
under which the construction industry falls – said the union had lodged a
written complaint with the Department of Labour.
“It is about cheap labour and exploitation,” he said, adding that
China had a reputation for exploiting workers’ rights.
Page Boikanyo, senior manager for communication in the labour
department, said the department would investigate the matter.
Cosatu national spokesperson Patrick Craven also slammed the
importing of foreign labour.
“We argue strongly against it.
“We hope the South African government finds a way of discouraging
unnecessary employment of foreign labour,” he said.
The use of cheap Chinese labour on projects funded by China in
foreign countries is a growing problem, especially in Africa and Asia, where
poverty is rife and unemployment high.
– West Cape News
- City Press