SA Hospitality industry backs crackdown on labour inspections Picture: David Ritchie/African News Agency/ANA
Cape Town - The local hospitality sector has shown support for a crackdown on labour regulation enforcement.
This comes as the Department of Employment and Labour announced they issued fines totalling over R10 million and arrested 81 undocumented foreign workers during their nationwide labour inspections on restaurants and workplace compliance.
Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth said they found over 1 941 foreigners at the 2 681 establishments they inspected between September 17 to 20. The Western Cape led with the highest number of inspections, totalling 809.
Gauteng followed with 764 inspections, and KwaZulu-Natal with 535. Chairperson of the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (Fedhasa), Rosemary Anderson, said they are committed to fostering a hospitality environment that safeguards workers’ rights and dignity.
“We believe this approach is vital for our industry’s long-term success and growth. We recognise the complexities in our sector, particularly regarding foreign national employment,” she said.
In terms of arrests, the data was not yet available in the Western Cape, but Gauteng had 28, Eastern Cape and Limpopo had 14 each, North West had 12, KZN had 11, Free State had 2, while Mpumalanga had none.
To strengthen oversight and enforcement, the department plans to expand its inspectorate capacity from 2 000 to 20 000 inspectors over the next three years.
Deputy president of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Derryn Brigg, urged businesses to abide by the law.
“The Cape Chamber supports law and order, and inspections of this kind (Department of Employment and Labour in collaboration with other government stakeholders) are required to ensure legal adherence.
“Proactive law enforcement is also to be welcomed. We have empathy for those businesses affected but urge them to abide by the law,” he said.
Spur Steak Ranches, when approached for comment, stated its franchisees comply with South African law. Moshe Apleni, Spur Group Corporate spokesperson, said they welcomed the inspections.
“Spur operates on a franchise-based model, with each restaurant individually owned and managed by independent franchisees,” he said.
“Our agreements with franchisees stipulate that they have to adhere to South African law.”
Apleni said their strict policy was against any violations of labour laws, stating that as a franchisor, they take decisive action when any misconduct is identified.
“The Department of Employment and Labour conduct regular inspections at restaurants, which ensures compliance in our franchised network. We welcome these inspections,” he said.
Anderson further noted that Fedhasa is collaborating with industry stakeholders and government agencies.
“Together, we strive to maintain high standards of compliance and fair labour practices, which we see as crucial in overcoming current challenges and securing a thriving future for South African hospitality,” Anderson said.
byron.lukas@inl.co.za
Cape Argus
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