Durban, March 10, 2026 – Tension is brewing at Steers Berea Centre in Durban, where frustrated employees have downed tools in protest over alleged exploitative wages. Workers claim the popular fast-food chain pays just R1 800 per month, far below the national minimum wage set by the Department of Employment and Labour, sparking outrage and calls for justice.
Eyewitnesses captured dramatic scenes on video circulating on social media: staff members standing outside the outlet with placards reading “Pay Us Fairly” and “No More Wage Theft.” The protesters allege Steers refuses to honor the Sectoral Determination 7 for the Fast Food Sector, which mandates a minimum of around R27.58 per hour for basic workers – translating to over R4 500 monthly for a standard shift.
Compounding the issue, employees report a R200 monthly deduction labeled “stock money,” supposedly for damaged or missing inventory. “We can’t afford to work like slaves,” one anonymous worker told reporters. “They take our sweat and give us crumbs. How do we survive in Durban with these prices?”
Steers management has not responded to requests for comment, but sources say the dispute escalated after failed negotiations. The United Workers Union has vowed to intervene, urging the Department of Labour to investigate immediately.
This incident highlights broader challenges in South Africa’s fast-food industry, where low pay and unauthorized deductions plague vulnerable workers amid rising living costs. Labour experts warn of potential fines up to R1.5 million for non-compliance.
As videos go viral on TikTok and Facebook, public support swells with #PaySteersWorkersFairly trending. Will Steers step up, or is this the start of a nationwide reckoning?