Guest house pleads poverty, retrenches workers

. . . but immediately replaces dismissed staff

STAFF REPORTER

MASERU – The serene and once-bustling corridors of Global Guest House in Naleli, Berea, have been overshadowed by uncertainty and discontent ever since the management abruptly announced the retrenchment of eight employees in August. One of the retrenched employees, Lipeeane Ralengau, is challenging her dismissal at the Directorate of Dispute Prevention and Resolution (DDPR).

The retrenchment was reportedly due to the ongoing economic downturn, according to the official notice sent to employees. In a formal letter dated August 3, 2024, management expressed deep regret, stating: “It is with great regret that the management informs you about its decision to terminate your employment contract for the following reasons: that owing to the economic meltdown, the company has decided to downsize. The management, therefore, wishes you the best in your future endeavours.”

The weight of the decision came crashing down on the dismissed employees, many of whom had dedicated long service to the guest house. But what initially seemed like an unavoidable consequence of the economic climate soon sparked outrage.

Within days of the retrenchment, Ralengau and her fellow ex-colleagues noticed an unsettling development. Just as they were grappling with their dismissals, six new employees were hired to replace them — hardly a sign of a struggling business.

“I could not believe it,” Ralengau said. “How does a company that claims to be downsizing due to financial difficulties replace us so quickly?” Ralengau felt compelled to take action.  Through her legal representatives, she issued a letter of demand to Global Guest House’s management, challenging the validity of their reasons for retrenching her and her co-workers. However, her calls for explanation fell on deaf ears.

“They never responded to my letter,” Ralengau explained. “That is why we have decided to take the matter to the DDPR. They will have to explain themselves in front of an impartial body.” The accountant’s resolve has not wavered since. Her lawyer has confirmed that the DDPR has already scheduled the hearing, although the exact date is still to be confirmed.

Ralengau is not alone in her fight for justice. Other retrenched employees, like, ’Mathapelo Moahloli, who worked in the kitchen, have also voiced their doubts about the official explanation for their dismissal. According to Moahloli, there were no visible signs of an economic crisis at Global Guest House. In fact, she shared some shocking revelations about the company’s owner, Thabiso Mochatso.

“It is not true that our retrenchment was due to the economic meltdown,” Moahloli asserted. “Mochatso has just bought a new car worth M1.5 million and a house in Ladybrand, South Africa.” These revelations have led to a growing suspicion among the former employees that the retrenchment may have been a cover for something more sinister — perhaps an attempt to cut ties with long-serving staff without providing proper compensation.

“I have no doubt about it,” Moahloli continued. “Mochatso’s own sister used to tell us that he often used the guest house’s money for personal expenses. It would not surprise me if our retrenchment was part of his plan to free up funds for his lavish lifestyle.”

Moahloli and her colleagues had already begun to notice signs of financial mismanagement in the months leading up to their dismissal. Their salaries were cut twice in June and July, raising concerns among the staff that trouble was brewing. For many of the dismissed employees, the retrenchment was not just a professional setback — it was a personal betrayal. The bonds they had formed with each other and the loyalty they had shown to Global Guest House were shattered.

Moahloli, who claimed to have worked as the head chef since December of the previous year, was particularly heartbroken.

“I worked hard for this place,” she said with teary eyes. “I gave everything I had to make sure our guests were happy. And then, just like that, they hired someone else to take my place.”

In fact, Moahloli’s suspicions of her imminent dismissal began before she even received her letter of termination. She had heard rumours from other staff members that the management was planning to replace her, and her worst fears were confirmed when she noticed a new chef working in the kitchen alongside her.

“They did not even have the decency to tell me face-to-face,” Moahloli recalled bitterly. “It was humiliating.”

Despite the emotional strain, Moahloli continued to perform her duties until she was officially dismissed.  She even managed to maintain a professional relationship with the new head chef who had replaced her. “We worked well together,” she admitted. “But that does not change the fact that what happened to me was unfair.”

As the case looms, the future of the retrenched employees remains uncertain. For some, like kitchen worker, Mpho Mohlophe, the shock of losing their job has left them feeling paralysed.

“I still do not know what to do,” Mohlophe said. “I have not taken any action because I am still in disbelief.” But for others, the desire to fight back is growing stronger. Moahloli has already made up her mind that she will continue to pursue her claims, no matter the obstacles.

“It is unfair,” she said. “We all deserve better than this.” While Global Guest House’s management remains silent on the matter, the retrenched employees are not backing down. This reporter spoke with Mochatso, who shared his perspective on the matter but requested that his comments remain confidential.