Babel Restaurant’s managers met with members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on Monday following public criticism. This was in response to former waitress Mihlali Nobavu’s claims of unfair employment practices, which sparked public outrage and led the restaurant to trend online.
Mihlali Nobavu released her TikTok video on working at the restaurant, stating that employees had to pay for their own clothing and equipment, such as bottle openers, cigarette lighters, cigar lighters, and cutters. She further claimed that employees had no base wage and were paid only in tips, as well as a daily non-refundable breakage fee of R200.
The Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation (the Hawks), Home Affairs, the Department of Labour, and Bargaining Council authorities raided the eateries on Sunday night, discovering many difficulties with employer noncompliance.
Authorities arrested three individuals, including the proprietor of a fancy Pretoria East restaurant and two undocumented staff members.
During the progressive meeting, it was agreed that Babel would provide employment contracts for their employees to sign.
“One of the points raised by the lady in the film is the issue of tools of trade in the store, lunch, tips, worker mistreatment, and the hours they have been granted. Contracts were among the issues raised,” stated Tshwane Regional Chairperson Obakeng Ramabodu.
“We are pleased to say that, following the agreement with management, all of those issues will be addressed. Contracts will be issued in due time, followed by the issuance of a joint statement with this company.
“Contracts and tools of trade; no worker here is going to buy a uniform, a cigar cutter, or an opener. It is not going to happen anymore; if you are a worker and come to work, you must be given a uniform, and when you leave, you must agree to leave the uniform,” stated Ramabodu.
Babel consultant Itumeleng Kgogome said that the discussion with the EFF was productive. He added that their shareholders told them of the video circulating online, and they then agreed to meet with the EFF. However, he disputed that Mihlali Nobavu was requested to remove her video.
“The company does not have an HR team, and it is a relatively new company. Our permanent employees have contracts that will cover your scullery and kitchen.
“As you know, generally when it comes to waitresses, they come in two or three days a week, but that will change. We have a new staff that will make sure that every employee we hire has a contract.
“To ensure that we fully comply with the law, all employment contracts will be present, and any department that comes here will find all of them,” Kgogome stated.
