Construction work at the Haute Cabrière restaurant, part of the acclaimed wine estate in Franschhoek, was temporarily halted by the Department of Employment and Labour last week following a site inspection that uncovered multiple health and safety violations.
However, according to Haute Cabrière spokesperson Tanja von Arnim, construction resumed on Monday (7 July), following the resolution of the department’s concerns by the preceding Sunday (6 July).
She said the wine farm was constructing a new reception area aimed at “enhancing both the restaurant and wine-tasting experience”.
According to a statement issued by the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), inspectors from its Inspection and Enforcement Services served a prohibition notice during an unannounced blitz inspection, ordering immediate suspension of all construction activities.
The enforcement formed part of a week-long, province-wide campaign focusing on compliance within the hospitality sector. It aimed to ensure adherence to labour and occupational-health and safety legislation.
David Esau, provincial chief inspector, led the inspection and cautioned contractors against prioritising profit over worker safety.
During the inspection, Fezeka Ngalo, an occupational health and safety (OHS) specialist at DEL, addressed workers on site. “These [problems] included the absence of a legally required health-and-safety file, employees operating without personal protective equipment and failure to notify the department formally about the construction activity.”
Additionally, a subcontractor appointed by the principal contractor was unable to present a valid appointment letter, which is another contravention of OHS regulations, according to the press release by DEL.
“To start with, Haute Cabrière would like to thank the labour department for upholding the rights and safety of workers, and we are thankful they have been able to support us in ensuring a safe environment,” Von Armin said.
“As an estate we appointed top architects, engineers and contractors with impeccable references and experience. [Haute Cabrière] worked with [a] team of professionals and the labour department to ensure that [the wine farm] complied and had all documents ready on [4 July] [which was] two days after the inspection.
“All paperwork was deemed satisfactory [on that day] from the department and work has recommenced.”
The department confirmed the inspection formed part of a broader effort to monitor and enforce compliance with key legislation, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the National Minimum Wage Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Unemployment Insurance Act, and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act.
Eikestadnuus contacted Ngalo, who is also spokesperson for the national DEL, for further comment, but no response was received at the time of going to print.
Haute Cabrière said it couldn’t comment about the labour inspectors’ grievances.
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