GroundUp reports that Betting World workers picketed outside the company’s branch in Gqeberha on Friday morning, demanding salaries from April last year, Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (Ters) money and leave pay.

At least five branches of the business – Kariega, Crown Hotel, KwaNobuhle, New Brighton and Laboria – have not reopened since they closed under the Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020. The holding company, Phumelela Gaming and Leisure, is in business rescue. Phumelela reportedly furloughed 85% of its 1,600-strong workforce when the nationwide lockdown suspended activities in the horse racing industry. A former manager Noxolisa Mqina, who joined the protest, said: “We are 40 workers from six branches. Since the lockdown started we were all told to go home until Covid-19 is controllable. We were promised that we will get our April payment, UIF-Ters and leave money while sitting at home. Instead we were only paid our Ters from May until September. But we never received our April salaries.” Mqina went on to say: “In September, all eight workers from the Commercial Road branch returned to work because it is the oldest and most productive branch. But nothing was said about the other five branches.” Vikash Doorgapershad of Betting World met with the protesters on Friday morning when they closed down the branch. He advised them to send him all their documents and bank details and promised that all the monies would be paid as soon as all the required documents were received

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mkhuseli Sizani at GroundUp

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