Mashaba acts against illegal immigrants working for city

18 January 2017 - 15:48 By Penwell Dlamini
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Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba. File Photo
Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba. File Photo
Image: Vathiswa Ruselo

The mayor of the City of Johannesburg‚ Herman Mashaba‚ has received a report on employees working at the Joburg Theatre without proper documents.

“Today‚ my office has received a final report detailing alleged fraudulent activity and misconduct perpetrated by eight current employees at Joburg Theatre. The contents of the report flow from an investigation into the authenticity of asylum permits and special work permits held by various foreign nationals employed in the catering and hospitality sections of the theatre‚” Mashaba said in a statement.

Investigations into the alleged fraudulent activity was conducted by Nexus Forensic Services. In its investigations the firm uncovered evidence revealing that six asylum permits held by implicated employees were fraudulent while two other permits had expired in early June 2016.

A case of fraud has been opened with the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the arrest of those implicated is expected soon.

All those implicated will also face disciplinary action by the City.

“I have also written to the Minister of Home Affairs‚ Malusi Gigaba‚ notifying him of the report’s contents and requesting his department take steps to detect and prevent criminal activity associated with illegally acquired immigration documents. This is not only a problem which affects this City‚” Mashaba said.

Mashaba has been widely criticised by the previous administration for his stance on foreigners living in the city.

In his 100th day in office‚ Mashaba told a media conference that illegal immigrants who got here should be treated as criminals.

His views attracted lots of criticism from the ruling party in the city and also the Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba.

But Mashaba says the rule of law must prevail for South Africa to realise its goal.

“Departing from the practice of the past administration‚ all employees of the City of Johannesburg are required to be fit for purpose‚ abide by the country’s laws and conduct their work in good faith and with utmost honesty and integrity.

 This recent report affirms my conviction in the value behind conducting a skills audit for employees within the City…in addition‚ this matter has highlighted the need to strengthen our recruitment processes in the City with stronger security vetting‚” he said.

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