Zimbabweans make up the most important share of overseas nationals working in South Africa’s authorities, in line with the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA).
The division has raised issues about their vital presence, notably within the well being and schooling sectors.
During a briefing to its portfolio committee on 19 February 2025, as reported by The Citizen, DPSA supplied an in depth breakdown of overseas nationals working in authorities departments – notably in well being and schooling sectors – and the coverage issues surrounding their employment.
ZIMBABWEANS IN SOUTH AFRICA’S GOVERNMENT SECTORS
The total variety of overseas staff in authorities departments has decreased since 2024. As of 2025, there are 5,779 overseas nationals employed, down from 6,220 in September 2024. Zimbabweans account for the most important proportion, with 2,172 people at the moment holding positions in authorities.
Zimbabweans are adopted by Congolese nationals, who quantity 755, whereas Indians and Nigerians maintain 383 and 367 positions, respectively. Additionally, there are 265 Cubans employed in numerous authorities roles.
Was The Employment Of Foreign Nationals Fairly Done?
The division emphasised that using overseas nationals didn’t displace native staff. It defined that the appointment course of for overseas nationals within the public service is extremely regulated. Multiple departments participated to make sure nationwide safety, authorized compliance, fiscal accountability, and workforce safety.
According to the DPSA, Home Affairs is chargeable for imposing documentary compliance, State Security conducts danger assessments and clearances, and National Treasury regulates salaries. The DPSA additional clarified that every one positions crammed have been marketed twice and that head-hunting was thought-about earlier than appointing foreigners, who got a most three-year contract.
The Hiring of Zimbabwean Nationals in SA
The Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) not too long ago fined 68 employers R680,000 for hiring undocumented overseas nationals with out legitimate work permits.
The crackdown follows elevated scrutiny of overseas staff. It comes after the arrest of a Zimbabwean man who allegedly secured a prime South African job with fraudulent documents.
The arrest has sparked debates about overseas nationals’ employment. Some South Africans have claimed on social media that many foreigners use pretend credentials to get high-profile jobs, sidelining locals. This has led to requires stronger enforcement of immigration and labour legal guidelines.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE NUMBER OF ZIMBABWEAN GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES?
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