Babel owners deny exploiting young job seekers
Babel Restaurant owners in Pretoria have denied exploiting South Africa’s unemployment crisis by taking advantage of young job seekers.
This follows allegations of employee exploitation, including claims of forcing staff to work without contracts.
A weekend sting operation by police, Home Affairs, and the Department of Labour at the Menlyn restaurant resulted in the arrest of three people, including the owner and two undocumented staff members.
The raid followed Mihlali Nobavu’s viral TikTok video exposing alleged unfair labour practices.
Nobavu claimed she was hired without a contract, forced to pay for her uniform, and required to buy equipment.
She also alleged workers were fined for breakages and had no basic salary, only tips.
https://www.yfm.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WhatsApp-Video-2024-09-16-at-19.29.15.mp4
Consultant, Itumeleng Kgogome speaking for the owners, denied exploiting employees.
When asked if owners thought they could disregard labour regulations due to young people’s desperation for employment, Kgogome once again denied this.
https://www.yfm.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WhatsApp-Video-2024-09-16-at-19.30.41.mp4
He says owners have committed to rectifying employment irregularities, including providing contracts for permanent and temporary staff.
The consultant further denied intimidating Nobavu to remove her viral video, despite her claims otherwise.
The Department of Employment and Labour has slammed the establishment for violating some provisions of the Employment Services Act.
“The exploitation of vulnerable workers by employers, will not be tolerated in any sector. Members of the public who may be facing unfair labour practices are encouraged to report such incidences to the nearest Labour Centre, as matters of this nature will receive our urgent attention. We take issues of employment and labour matters very seriously,” says Minister Meth.
EFF Tshwane Chairperson, Obakeng Ramabodu, visited the restaurant on Monday.
He praised Nobavu for exposing staff injustices, particularly those that affect young women in the labour sector.
Ramabodu emphasised that the party’s goal was not to shut down the restaurant, risking over 80 jobs, but rather to push for corrective measures.
The EFF’s labour division has given the restaurant owners 60 days to address labour challenges or face further action.
