'Tips belong to the waiter – NOT the restaurant'

--- This interview happened on 20 April 2022. ---

Abongile Nzelenzele interviewed Restaurant Association of South Africa CEO Wendy Alberts.

A CapeTalk listener described dining at an upmarket restaurant in Franschhoek recently.

It was a large bill, and the restaurant included a 10% tip.

The waiter claimed to receive only half the tips, while the rest allegedly funded breakages and renovations.

Nzelenzele asked Alberts to discuss industry norms when it comes to tips and the ethics of keeping some tips to cover costs.

Alberts had advice for diners who are annoyed with the system.

"Waiters get paid a minimum wage… Tips belong to the waiter, not the restaurant…"

- Wendy Alberts, CEO - Restaurant Association of South Africa

"Tips are always at the discretion of what the majority of the staff agreed to…"

- Wendy Alberts, CEO - Restaurant Association of South Africa

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.