In a surprising revelation, Minister of Public Service and Administration Mzamo Buthelezi disclosed that the South African government employs a significant number of foreign nationals.
As of July 31, 2024, 6,220 foreigners hold government jobs, with Gauteng leading the way at 1,705 employees. While some may be surprised by this number, it represents a mere 0.5% of the total government workforce.
The majority of foreign employees are found in the Health and Education sectors, with temporary workers also included in the tally.
Buthelezi’s response highlights the diverse makeup of the government’s workforce, with foreigners contributing to various portfolios.
The provinces with the lowest number of foreign employees are Western Cape, Limpopo, and the Free State.
This revelation comes amidst ongoing discussions about illegal immigration in South Africa, with some calling for the deportation of undocumented foreigners.
However, the government’s employment of foreign nationals serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration and the contributions that foreigners can make to the country’s workforce.
