MEC Ketso Makume
Sasolburg
Following the alleged case of unfair discrimination and harassment on the basis of race against the restaurant waitress in Sasolburg, the Free State MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Ketso Makume condemns in the strongest terms the ill treatment of workers, in particular, racism as it has no place in tourism sector across the province.
Based on investigations conducted by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), the pre-trial hearing will be held on Friday, 04 July 2025, at Sasolburg Equality/Magistrate court for the alleged racial acts/ utterances against the unfairly dismissed waitress.
The unfair discrimination and racial attack against a waitress by the owner of one of the Restaurant is viewed as a threat to the revival of the tourism sector in the province.
In a statement the MEC said this incident undermines the principle enriched in the Freedom Charter that: ‘South Africa belongs to all who live in it, Black and white, “Equally this undermines the initiatives aimed at positioning the Free State Tourism sector at the center of inclusive economic transformation.”
In the spirit of condemning unfair discrimination, the racism and barbaric acts against the restaurant workers, MEC Makume will attend the court proceedings.
“As the province, we are in a mode to encourage the potential domestic and international visitors to continue visiting our restaurants, hotels, and guest houses when exploring our province as their preferred destination of choice.
“We don’t have a space for racists. If there are any tourism establishments, owners, performing any racism practices, and exploiting workers are advised not to try it in this province; because once exposed, we will ensure that they face harsh consequences of the law.
“Tourism is a significant pillar of the economy, with many households depending on it for their livelihoods, therefore, will never ever allow such a key sector to decelerate by racial acts,” said MEC.
MEC Makume further urged tourism products owners to go beyond the call of duty in their mission of treating workers respectfully so that they can play their vital role in delivering quality services to the people. The ethos and vision of the sector are informed by the policies of nation building.
The court proceedings will unfold as follows: Date: Friday, 04 July 2025, Venue: Sasolburg Magistrate Court, Time: 08h30
