Authorities take swift action against alleged labor violations at Babel restaurant in Menlyn

In a decisive move to address labor concerns, authorities arrested at least three individuals during a raid at Babel restaurant in Menlyn, following allegations of exploitative labor practices. The arrests include the restaurant’s owner and two undocumented staff members, as confirmed by Home Affairs Acting Provincial Manager for Gauteng, Albert Matsaung.

This operation, conducted by the police, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Department of Labour, was prompted by a former employee’s viral TikTok video, which shed light on alleged unfair working conditions. The woman detailed her experience of being hired without a formal contract, being required to pay for her uniform and equipment, and facing fines for cutlery and breakage fees.

Matsaung confirmed that the two staff members were arrested for not possessing the required documentation to work in the country, and emphasized that the restaurant owner would also face charges for employing undocumented workers. “The employer will be charged and likely fined, while the undocumented workers will be deported,” Matsaung said in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.

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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also visited the restaurant on Saturday, ahead of the official raid. Authorities then followed up on Sunday night, conducting a sting operation at both Babel and the nearby Ocean Basket in Menlyn Shopping Centre.

Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth took to social media, stating, “As promised, our team together with Home Affairs Immigration & Hawks pounced on Babel restaurant following the tip-off of unfair labor practices. Some arrests have been made… more details to follow.”

The Department of Labour, which has expressed growing concern over labor practices in the hospitality industry, is expected to release a detailed statement. Acting Director-General Viwe Mlenzana emphasized, “We are deeply concerned about the flouting of labor regulations by employers, particularly in the hospitality sector, and will ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”

This swift action by authorities signals a strong stance against labor exploitation, ensuring that both employers and employees adhere to the country’s labor laws and regulations.
[16/09, 6:43 am] Folaranmi Ajayi: Egypt: Government focuses on maximizing state-run irrigation and drainage firms: Sweilem

Egypt’s state-run irrigation and drainage sector, Hani Sweilem, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, has emphasized the government’s commitment to maximizing the capabilities of the Holding Company for Irrigation and Drainage and its two subsidiaries: the Egyptian Company for Irrigation and Drainage and the Egyptian Dredging Company.

During a meeting to review progress in the performance improvement process, Sweilem highlighted the importance of fully utilizing the company’s resources to enhance its participation in local and international projects. “We need to focus on competing in various tenders, studying both local and global market needs, and making the most of our available resources, whether in human talent or equipment,” said Sweilem.

He also underscored the significance of continuously improving equipment efficiency and maintenance, while providing workforce training to raise skill levels. “Improving the financial standing of the company is crucial,” the minister added, stressing the need for leveraging assets for maximum investment returns and ensuring projects are completed on time.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including Khaled Wasif, Assistant Minister for Companies and Investment, Alaa Khaled, Non-Executive Chairperson of the Holding Company for Irrigation and Drainage, and Mahmoud Ghalloush, the company’s Executive Managing Director.

The company has made substantial strides since its board was restructured a year ago. With the merger, two subsidiaries were retained—the Egyptian Company for Irrigation and Drainage, headquartered in Assiut, and the Egyptian Dredging Company, based in Cairo. The new board has successfully paid off EGP 87 million in debt and secured new projects worth EGP 600 million, positioning the company for future growth.

This focus on improving the firm’s performance and financial health reflects the government’s broader aim of enhancing the country’s irrigation and drainage infrastructure.