The Citizen reports that Huawei Technologies SA has entered into talks with the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) to reach a settlement agreement after it was revealed that 90% of its employees are foreigners.

The talks include a resolution by both parties to stay court proceedings instituted by the department against Huawei on 11 February 2022 pending the outcome of the negotiations. The hiring quotas for foreign-owned companies operating in SA stipulate that at least 60% of employees must be local. Huawei said in a statement that it had demonstrated its extensive ICT skills transfer and training programmes to the department. The DEL has apparently acknowledged the skills transfer programme and advised Huawei to expand this further in its Employment Equity plan. “Discussions are ongoing. Huawei is committed to being fully cooperative with the department, and both sides are positive that this matter will be concluded shortly,” said the Chinese tech giant. But Huawei’s latest statement did not address or clarify the department’s allegations that 90% of its employees in SA were foreigners, including its top five managers. The DEL has apparently also accused the tech company of lying that it had a Home Affairs permit to circumvent the Employment Equity Act 40% cap on foreign hires.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Narissa Subramoney at The Citizen

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