Menlyn-based restaurant Babel recently found itself in hot water after videos posted by one of their former employees Mihlali Nobavu on social media sparked a backlash.
Detailing her work experience at the swanky restaurant, Nobavu said she was hired without a formal contract, forced to pay for her own uniform, and subjected to harsh working conditions.
She revealed that employees at the restaurant had no basic salary and only earned tips.
In addition, they were required to pay a daily non-refundable R200 breakage fee, purchase their own equipment, and were fined to cover the cost of broken cutlery.
Nobavu also revealed that she had to work long hours (from 1 pm to 2 am) without a break while she had to share the little tips she received with her runner.
@molly_bave Babel in Menlyn needs to start treating their employees like humans !! #fypシ゚ #SAMA28 #babel #menlynmall #mistreatment #viral ♬ original sound - molly
On Sunday, September 16, three people were arrested following a raid conducted by the police, Home Affairs, and the Department of Labour.
Albert Matsaung, acting provincial manager for the Department of Home Affairs said that an employer was arrested for hiring undocumented migrants.
“Three people were charged. Two employees were charged for working without the necessary documentation to work within the establishment and the employer charged for employing immigrants who do not have the necessary documentation to work.
“They are all charged in terms of the Immigration Act and its regulations,” said Matsaung.
Reacting to the news, the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) jointly with The Restaurant Collective (TRC) told Independent Media Lifestyle that they are in discussions with the Department of Labour to see what could be done to set up a support system for employees who find themselves in these situations.
TRC founder Grace Harding said: “The Restaurant Collective is saddened to hear the story outlining poor people practices - the contract of employment and manner of working together should be respected by all.
“This situation outlines the necessity for individual restaurants to join TRC so that they have easy access to professional advice and information.”
“We are in discussions with the Department of Labour to see what else could be done to set up a support system for employees who find themselves in these situations.
“Our focus together with Fedhasa is to elevate the restaurant industry for the benefit of all who rely on it. There are nearly one million people employed in this industry and since Covid, we have seen how any trading interruptions affect not only the staff, the owner, and the guest, but the entire value chain involved in the industry,” said Harding.
Fedhasa chairperson Rosemary Anderson said: “This goes against everything TRC stands for. One of our main objectives is to elevate the lives of those employees working in the hospitality industry and to create more opportunities for them.”