Somizi Mhlongo in Heated Showdown Over R165K Unpaid Wages Claim
A labour dispute involving unpaid salaries has escalated into a public showdown between media personality Somizi Mhlongo and union representative Thabiso Putswe, who speaks on behalf of the Hotel, Liquor, Catering, Commercial and Allied Workers Union of South Africa (Hotelicca).
At stake is R165 402.62 allegedly owed to eight workers formerly employed by Search Light, a cleaning services company.
The workers’ contracts were reportedly terminated earlier this year without compensation, prompting them to take the matter to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA).
The CCMA ruled in their favour and ordered the company to pay what is owed by 31 July, but the directive was ignored — forcing the dispute back into legal channels.
Also Read: Somizi Mhlongo’s Cleaning Firm Faces Asset Attachment After R165,000 Salary Dispute
Somizi Mhlongo Refutes Director Claims
Some of the affected workers claim Mhlongo is a director of Search Light. Sunday World also reportedly saw documentation listing him as one of the company’s registered directors, complete with his signature.
However, the star has strongly rejected any association with the business.
“The company referred to in the article does not belong to me, has never been registered under my name, and I have no association with it whatsoever. The claims made are completely false and misleading,” Somizi Mhlongo
He further accused the media of spreading misinformation without verification.
“It is deeply concerning that such misinformation is published without proper verification, as it has the potential to harm reputations and mislead the public.”
Union Pushes Back Against Denial
Putswe is adamant that Mhlongo’s denial will not derail efforts to recover the workers’ money.
“I’ve seen Mhlongo’s statement, and my message to him is, ‘you can run, but you cannot hide.’”
He also accused the entertainer of restricting online engagement to silence criticism.
“I tried to respond on his Instagram and Facebook pages, but he locked the comments.”
Putswe claims the union has documents proving Mhlongo’s involvement, including records showing he attended company meetings.
“Clearly, he’s seeking public sympathy while hiding behind social media,”
— Putswe
Legal Action Intensifies
The sheriff is said to have visited the company’s Sandton offices to execute an attachment order, but the workers allege management vacated the premises.
Putswe confirmed that additional legal avenues are being pursued.
“We are pursuing other legal channels to ensure Mhlongo and his associates pay the employees. Justice will be served.”