Timeslive reports that the EFF is adamant that is it not responsible for the closure of the Smokehouse and Grill restaurant and the consequent loss of 29 jobs.
EFF members demonstrated at the Braamfontein restaurant last Thursday demanding an apology for the racist behaviour of shareholder Adam Catzavelos. A video had gone viral of him using the k-word. The restaurant issued a statement on Sunday saying that it was closing its doors and confirmed the loss of 29 jobs. It said the EFF’s "invasion" had compounded already poor trading conditions and it had been forced to close its doors. EFF ward 60 branch chairman Cassius Mabunda said on Monday the branch was not apologising for its actions as it never pushed for the restaurant to close. "As the branch‚ we engaged in a militant demonstration at Smokehouse to demand that Adam’s family takes full responsibility for their son’s action‚" said Mabunda. He also said the restaurant management had earlier agreed to a meeting with the branch, however “they did not honour the meeting nor did they provide explanations for not pitching." Mabunda described the sacrifice of jobs as an act of arrogance‚ recklessness and a violent refusal to confront racism.
- Read this report by Ernest Mabuza in full at BusinessLive
- Read too, White racism to blame for job losses, say EFF protesters after restaurant linked to Catzavelos closes, at News24
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page