Hundreds queue in Ballito for possible jobs ahead of new restaurant opening

Hundreds braved the weather on Monday as they waited in line for a job posting at Mozambik restaurant, which is set to open a new branch in KwaDukuza in November. 

The interview process was held at the Ballito branch of Mozambik on Dolphin Crescent and queues snaked their way a few hundred metres up Jack Powell Drive.

The job posting on Facebook did not specify that restaurant experience was necessary, and many who had never worked in the hospitality industry arrived to try their luck.

“I was retrenched when the virus hit and have not had an income for four months. I saw they were advertising to anyone, and even though I have only worked as a nanny, I knew I had to try,” said Ntshawini resident Sne Ntuli.

“It cost me R17 in taxi fare, and R10 per page to print my CV, but what can I do when there are no other jobs?” she said.

Mozambik co-founder Brett Michielin said that more people had arrived than expected.

“The new restaurant needs to be staffed from the ground up, so we are looking to hire around 35 people.”

Although the line was outside and most people were wearing masks, social distancing was not observed.

“I know we should stand further away but I cannot leave too much space otherwise someone will jump the line, and I have already been waiting so long,” said Shaka’s Head resident Thato.

At 11am, Mozambik staff collected the CVs of everyone that remained in the line so that the restaurant could open for business.