Different retailers say though they originate in South Africa, since they are based in Lesotho they operate in accordance with the country’s laws.

This, they said following an incident in which about 50 Shoprite workers were on Tuesday this week served with suspension letters after they failed to report for duty on Monday as it was King’s birthday holiday.

The suspension was said to be effective from Tuesday to Thursday, where the workers were to report on the day at different times to be notified of their date of hearing. The letter further indicated that failure to report on duty on the said day will result in non-payment.

On the other hand, Pick’n Pay and Woolworths indicates that they operate in accordance with Lesotho laws thus they observe Lesotho holidays and not of South Africa.

However, Shoprite workers have alleged that the company’s management had indicated that they operate according to South African laws as the shop is from there hence why the workers were expected to be at work on Monday, 17th July, despite it being a holiday.