02/07/2026
Publication: CWAO
Author: Press Writer
CWAO has been inundated with calls from migrant workers reporting that they have been dismissed, threatened with dismissal or denied their rights as xenophobic sentiment continues to spread across workplaces.
For comment, call Andile Nyembezi on 060 895 6944
The Casual Workers Advice Office (CWAO) has been inundated with calls from migrant workers reporting that they have been dismissed, threatened with dismissal or denied their rights as xenophobic sentiment continues to spread across workplaces.
Yesterday alone, CWAO received reports from workers who had been told not to return to work on the day of the marches (30 June 2026). Some were issued with termination notices or left without any income or any place to stay. These cases show that employers are increasingly taking advantage of the current climate of xenophobia to remove workers, particularly migrant workers and other vulnerable employees.
The CWAO opposes all forms of xenophobia and stands for the unity of migrant workers and South African workers. Employers cannot use immigration status or anti-migrant mobilisation as an excuse to violate labour laws or deny workers their rights.
The following cases were reported to CWAO yesterday. CWAO is withholding the surnames of the workers for their own security:
1. Christopher
Christopher contacted CWAO for assistance with the UIF process while he waits for the outcome of his asylum application. He has been left without an income and requires urgent support to access the benefits he is entitled to.
2. John
John was dismissed and told not to return to work. CWAO has advised him to visit our office so that an unfair dismissal case can be opened.
3. Hila
Hila has been dismissed and is now left with nowhere to go. CWAO is assisting him to pursue his labour rights.
4. Maliko
Maliko reported that he had been dismissed for being a migrant. He has been advised to come to the CWAO office to open an unfair dismissal case.
5. Nana Nana has also been dismissed for being a migrant and will be assisted by CWAO in pursuing legal action against the employer.
6. Andrew
Andrew reported that he had been dismissed for being a migrant. He is on his way to the CWAO office to open a case.
7. James
James was dismissed for being a migrant and explicitly told not to return to work. CWAO will assist him in opening an unfair dismissal case.
8. Oratile
Oratile, a security worker from Alexandra, has been given a termination letter informing her that her employment will end this coming Friday. She has also reported being underpaid. She is visiting the CWAO office today so that both her dismissal and underpayment can be investigated.
9. Peter
Peter contacted CWAO after being chased away from his workplace by his employer. CWAO is investigating the circumstances surrounding his removal and will assist him in asserting his rights.
These cases are only those reported to CWAO in a single day. They suggest an alarming pattern in which employers are using the current anti-migrant climate to dismiss workers, terminate contracts and deny workers the protections guaranteed under South African labour law.
CWAO calls on all workers facing dismissal, intimidation or discrimination to contact the organisation immediately so that legal assistance can be provided. We also call on the Department of Employment and Labour to urgently investigate employers who are exploiting xenophobia to carry out unlawful dismissals and to ensure that all workers, regardless of nationality or documentation status, enjoy the protection of South Africa's labour laws.