Labour Department recovers over R10 million owed to workers during raids
The Department of Employment and Labour reports that 81 foreign nationals were arrested during inspections and raids aimed at ensuring compliance with South African laws.
The Department of Employment and Labour has recovered more than R10 million owed to workers during recent compliance inspections and raids.
The department embarked on a nationwide inspection working with other law enforcement following a complaint about unfair labour practices at Babel restaurant Menlyn, Pretoria.
LABOUR DEPARTMENT COLLECTS R10 MILLION DURING INSPECTION BLITZ
During a media briefing held on Tuesday, 1 October, minister Nomakhosazana Meth revealed that after conducting just over 2900 raids around 81 foreign nationals were arrested for not not having proper documents to work in South Africa.
“We were able to collect just over R10 million for employees that was repaid by employers who were non-compliant in particular to the minimum wage and also general salaries of workers,” she said.
In order to prevent employers from flouting the labour laws again, Meth said they issue contravention notices for those who have contravened the law and prohibition orders for those who do not comply with many other laws in particular, the occupational health and safety act and in terms of the compensation of occupational injuries and diseases act.
“There are areas where then we penalise them and they pay fines, however, if they continue to do that, we take them to court,” she added.
MENLYN RESTAURANTS ACCUSED OF UNFAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICE
Following the raids, the department revealed that Babel Restaurant and Ocean Basket in Menlyn, have been found to have not complied with the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act.
The two restaurants failed to compensate the employees by the prescribed minimum wage rate for 2024/25 which is R27.58 per hour.
Department of Employment and Labour minister Nomakhosazana Meth said the Babel restaurant owed its employees an estimated R271 984 for cleaners, and R295 547 for waiters and waitresses, in underpaid wages.
Likewise, waitresses at Ocean Basket don’t have a basic salary and rely on tips and commissions. According to the department, the employer allegedly owes the employees just over R813 000.
Spokesperson Thobeka Magacai said a combined total of R1 381 500 is owed to the employees of both restaurants.