In a bold statement sent to stakeholders yesterday, Unica sought to “clear the disinformation” surrounding serious allegations of human trafficking and the employment of undocumented foreign nationals.
Image: Unica Iron and Steel
Unica Iron and Steel (Pty) Ltd has broken its silence, launching a scathing counteroffensive against what it calls a “concerted effort by sinister agents” to discredit the company.
In a bold statement sent to stakeholders yesterday, Unica sought to “clear the disinformation” surrounding serious allegations of human trafficking and the employment of undocumented foreign nationals.
The response comes after a series of raids by the Department of Home Affairs following controversy over the company’s operations. The company denied that the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC) had uncovered systemic violations following a whistleblower tip-off.In its official rebuttal, Unica expressed “great concern” at what it described as malicious and baseless rumours being perpetuated by repetitive false statements.
“We are a big organisation, we employ 1100 people, 96% of whom are South African. We pay competitive salaries, in many cases above our competitors. The department of Home Affairs has been to our site many times and they found no evidence of the issues cited in the media” the Managing Director Mohammed Qasim said.
“These false allegations, including human trafficking and the employment of undocumented foreigners, are categorically denied,” the statement read. The company emphasised that it has been the subject of multiple recent inspections by the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Labour, none of which have resulted in adverse findings.
“Most importantly,” the statement continued, “no arrests were made of undocumented nationals, and no adverse findings were issued against any employee, local or foreign, by Home Affairs.”
The company added that the most recent inspection occurred just a week ago and strangely coincided with a scheduled visit from representatives of the IDC.
Unica is currently locked in a legal battle with the IDC, following the latter's decision to blacklist the company, its directors, and associated entities based on a forensic audit prompted by the anonymous allegations.
The audit accused Unica of financial irregularities, immigration breaches, and fraudulent transactions, including R6 million in payments to related entities like KGN Engineering. Seeking legal recourse, Unica filed an urgent High Court application in February 2025. The court granted an interdict temporarily preventing the IDC from maintaining Unica on its delinquent register.
According to Van de Merwe Attorneys, who are representing Unica, the IDC has since formally removed Unica’s name from the list pending the outcome of a broader judicial review. In closing, the company vowed to “maintain its sound business principles, good products, and exceptional service” in the face of adversity.
“We will continue to provide job security to our employees and contribute meaningfully to the South African economy. We are deeply grateful to the communities of Hammanskraal and Babelegi for their unwavering support.”