By Rorisang Modiba
- Workers say cleaning company Search Light owes them R165,402 in unpaid salaries and claim Somizi Mhlongo is listed as a director.
- Somizi denies any involvement, saying he has no connection to the company accused of firing eight staff without pay.
Union representative Thabiso Putswe from Hotelicca is fighting for eight cleaners who say they were fired without pay by a company called Search Light.
The dispute involves R165,402.62 in unpaid wages. The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) ruled in favour of the workers and ordered the company to pay by 31 July.
When Search Light failed to comply, the CCMA authorised the workers to attach the company’s assets to recover their money.
Some workers told Sunday World that media personality Somizi Mhlongo was listed as a director of Search Light. The newspaper reported seeing documents that included his name and signature.
However, Somizi has firmly denied the claims.
In a statement, he said: “The company mentioned in the Sunday World article does not belong to me and has never been registered under my name. I have no connection with it at all. The claims are false and misleading.”
Union leader Putswe says the workers only want what they are owed and will continue pushing for payment.
Pictured above: Somizi Mhlongo.
Image source: File
