On Wednesday, 18 September, social media lit up with news about Tang, a trendy Asian restaurant and bar in Sandton, owned by businessman Nicky van der Walt.
What got people talking wasn’t the food or the ambiance this time, but rather a police raid that led to multiple arrests.
Who Is Nicky van der Walt?
Nicky van der Walt, an established entrepreneur, has been married to former Miss South Africa finalist, Lee-Ann Liebenberg, for over a decade.
Together, they have made headlines, but this recent event brings a different kind of attention to his business.
The Incident at Tang
According to reports from Sowetan, a total of five employees, including a manager, were arrested during the raid for working without proper documentation.
Gauteng’s chief inspector, Michael Msiza, explained that the operation revealed four employees at Tang, along with the manager, who were unable to provide the necessary work permits.
One particular case caught the authorities’ attention—a waiter from Zimbabwe who claimed South African birth.
His ID is now under further investigation by Home Affairs, as its authenticity is in question.
Authorities are also pursuing action against van der Walt, as employers can face legal consequences for hiring undocumented workers.
The Owner’s Side
Nicky van der Walt, who opened Tang in 2021, has yet to provide an official comment regarding the arrests.
Despite attempts to reach him, he has remained silent about the situation.
Another Restaurant in Hot Water: Menlyn’s Babel
The news from Tang comes just after a viral video surfaced from Menlyn’s Babel restaurant, where an employee exposed alleged mistreatment.
According to reports from IOL, Babel and its neighboring Ocean Basket owe their workers over R1.3 million in unpaid wages.
The Ministry of Employment and Labour revealed that Babel alone owes over R560,000, with specific debts of R271,984 for cleaners and R295,547 for waitstaff.
During a sting operation at Babel, three individuals were arrested, and authorities uncovered that the restaurant is not registered with the Compensation Fund, raising even more concerns about its business practices.
What’s Next?
Both Tang and Babel are under the spotlight for failing to comply with employment regulations.
As the investigations continue, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on how these popular restaurants will address the serious allegations against them.
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