Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has expressed strong support for the ongoing blitz operation targeting restaurants in Gauteng hiring undocumented foreign nationals. The crackdown aims to enforce stricter regulations in the hospitality sector, specifically targeting businesses that hire illegal immigrants.
This operation gained attention following a raid on Babel Restaurant in Menlyn, Pretoria, and several upmarket establishments such as Tang in Sandton. Employees at these locations were arrested for allegedly working without proper documentation. The blitz is being spearheaded by Home Affairs, Labour, and the Hawks, in an effort to address non-compliant practices in the hospitality industry.
McKenzie, who previously campaigned on the platform of deporting illegal immigrants during the May 29 elections, welcomed the enforcement actions. He reiterated his stance on ensuring that South African laws are respected by all sectors.
McKenzie’s Response to the Crackdown
Taking to social media, McKenzie tweeted about his determination to uphold the law, stating, “We are fighting for what we believe in, we are listening to opposing views, we differ respectfully.” He also praised the position of Minister Gwede Mantashe, who had advocated against the employment of undocumented foreigners in the hospitality industry.
In another tweet, McKenzie added, “All these raids and this new energy in making sure companies don’t hire people that are illegally in SA should tell everyone it is no longer business as usual. The GNU wants the laws of this country to be respected by all.”
The Catalyst: Exploitation Claims Spark Investigation
The recent blitz operations gained traction after a viral TikTok video by former Babel Restaurant employee Mihlali Nobavu. In her video, Nobavu revealed exploitative working conditions, accusing Babel of paying below the minimum wage, withholding salaries, and forcing employees to survive solely on tips. This video led to investigations by authorities, sparking the ongoing crackdown.
During the raid at Babel, three undocumented workers were arrested, including chef Amina Lameck from Malawi, stock manager Kelechi Maduike from Nigeria, and delivery worker Emery Niyomuremyi from Burundi, who was employed by Ocean Basket Menlyn. The restaurant’s manager, Raui Kobeissi, was fined R10,000, and the undocumented workers face deportation.
McKenzie’s Stance on Immigration
McKenzie has long been vocal about his disapproval of illegal immigration, often advocating for stricter immigration laws. After a recent tragic fire in Johannesburg, McKenzie criticised government aid to illegal immigrants, declaring, “Let them go home, this is not home.” He continues to call for deportations and measures to prioritise South African citizens.
Restaurant Association Reacts to Blitz Operations
Wendy Alberts, CEO of the Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA), voiced concerns about the crackdown, stating that non-compliant businesses need to be held accountable. Speaking on CNBC Africa, Alberts highlighted the ongoing conversations about foreign nationals in the industry and the need for open dialogue with Home Affairs, Labour, and other stakeholders.
She noted, “Over the last years, we’ve been blitzed by the Department of Labour, Home Affairs, and there’s always this conversation going on about foreign nationals in the industry, non-compliance, exploitation, etc. We need to get this conversation to head and invite the correct parties to bring us statistics.”
Conclusion
The blitz operations targeting undocumented workers in Gauteng’s hospitality sector reflect growing efforts to enforce immigration and labour laws in South Africa. With McKenzie’s vocal support and increased pressure on non-compliant businesses, this crackdown marks a shift in how the hospitality industry is regulated in terms of employment practices. Whether these actions will result in long-term changes remains to be seen, but the message is clear: the days of non-compliance may be numbered.