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On 21 October 2025 , the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Eastern Cape have voiced strong support for workers from Cofi and Black Impala in Gqeberha, who say they have suffered exploitation and unfair treatment in the hospitality sector. The party has condemned employers for ignoring labour rights and failing to pay workers who were retrenched earlier this year.
Their Story
In February, more than 40 workers at Cofi Gqeberha were retrenched without notice or proper compensation. Months later, they still have not received their retrenchment packages. According to the EFF, the establishment changed ownership in an attempt to avoid accountability, while workers remain unpaid and struggling to survive. Many of them are breadwinners who have since fallen into debt.
The Event/Occasion
The EFF issued a strong statement emphasizing what it calls “the greed and exploitation” within South Africa’s hospitality industry. The party accused employers of denying workers their dignity, stating that the situation reflects a wider crisis of inequality in workplaces. EFF representatives pledged to continue supporting the affected employees until justice is served and all outstanding payments are made.
Community Reactions
The statement drew sympathy from workers’ unions, activists, and community members who praised the EFF for amplifying workers’ voices. Many expressed concern over ongoing exploitation in restaurants and nightclubs, calling for stronger labour enforcement.
