In South Africa’s lively restaurant scene, a dark truth lurks: many workers face serious unfair treatment. They often earn less than the legal minimum wage and rely heavily on tips to make ends meet. Long hours, sometimes stretching 12 to 15 hours without proper breaks, are common, while essential protections like healthcare and unemployment benefits are frequently ignored. This culture of exploitation shows that some restaurant owners prioritize profits over their workers’ wellbeing, highlighting an urgent need for change and better accountability in the industry. The time to protect these workers and ensure fair treatment is now!
