The Department of Employment and Labour in South Africa has launched a significant four-day inspection initiative targeting the hospitality sector, specifically restaurants.
Following alarming reports of widespread exploitation, this multi-departmental blitz aims to ensure compliance with national labour laws.
Starting on September 17, 2024, a comprehensive team comprising inspectors from the Department of Employment and Labour, the South African Police Service, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Bargaining Council will be actively conducting inspections.
Milly Ruiters, Chief Inspector for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), stated this operation is not unique but a necessary response to the challenges within the restaurant sector. The inspections are designed to verify adherence to various acts, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the National Minimum Wage Act, among others.
Previous inspections have uncovered disturbing trends, with notable establishments like Menlyn’s Babel Restaurant and Ocean Basket owing their employees R1.3 million in unpaid wages. This situation underscores the necessity for such blitzes, as certain employers have been found deliberately violating the minimum wage regulations, compensating workers far below the legal standards.
The Ministry of Employment and Labour has emphasized the critical importance of ensuring fair wages and working conditions, as many workers in these establishments face grueling hours without appropriate compensation.
As the inspection blitz unfolds, the Department is poised to enhance regulatory compliance across the sector, reaffirming its commitment to protection and fairness for all workers in South Africa’s hospitality industry.
