The managers of restaurant Babel met with members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on Monday after the establishment faced public backlash. This came in response to former waitress Mihlali Nobavu's accusations of alleged unfair employment practices, which triggered widespread controversy and caused the restaurant to trend online.
In a video posted on TikTok, Mihlali Nobavu shared her experience working at the restaurant, claiming that staff were required to pay for their own uniforms and equipment, such as bottle openers, cigarette lighters, cigar lighters, and cutters. She also alleged that employees received no basic salary, relying solely on tips, and were charged a daily non-refundable breakage fee of R200.
The Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation (the Hawks), Home Affairs, the Department of Labour and officials from the Bargaining Council raided the eateries on Sunday night, finding several pertinent issues regarding the non-compliance of the employers.
Authorities have arrested at least three individuals, reportedly including the owner of the swanky Pretoria East restaurant and two staff members who were found to be undocumented.
During the progressive meeting, an agreement was reached that Babel would give their workers employment contracts that they can sign.
"One of the issues by the lady on the video are the issues of tools of trade in the shop, the issue of lunch, tips, the ill treatment of workers, hours they have been given. Contracts were part of the issues tabled,” said Tshwane Regional Chairperson, Obakeng Ramabodu
“We are happy to announce that with the agreement with management all those things are going to be dealt with. Contracts are going to be issued in due course and a joint statement with this company will be released in due course.
“The issue of contracts, tools of trade; there’s no worker here that’s going to buy a uniform or buy a cigar cutter or opener. It’s not going to happen anymore, if you are a worker and come to work you must be given a uniform and when you leave there must be an agreement that you leave the uniform,” said Ramabodu.
Babel consultant Itumeleng Kgogome confirmed that the meeting with the EFF was fruitful. He stated that they were informed by their shareholders about the video circulating online and subsequently agreed to meet with the EFF. However, he denied that Mihlali Nobavu was asked to delete her video.
“The company doesn't have an HR team and it’s a fairly new company and our staff that is permanent have contracts that will be your scullery and kitchen.
“As you understand, normally when it comes to waitress how things could go, these people come in two or three days a week but that will be rectified. We have a new team that will ensure that every employee hired will have a contract.
“To ensure that we comply with the law fully, all employment contracts will be there and any department that comes here will find all those things, said Kgogome.
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