Lungi M

A Serious Call for Accountability: The Toxic Work Culture at Gadget Boss

I am writing this as a former employee of Gadget Boss, not out of spite, but out of a deep concern for the wellbeing of others who might unknowingly walk into what I can only describe as a deeply abusive and toxic work environment. The conditions at Gadget Boss are nothing short of exploitative. Staff are expected to work excessive hours, far beyond their contracts, often staying until 2 a.m.—without proper overtime compensation. The company enforces a baffling and unfair policy that only considers overtime from 8 p.m. onwards, regardless of how long an employee has already worked. This is not only *********—it’s wage theft. But what is worse than the long hours is the treatment of the people who work there. Mrs. Kofi, the company’s owner, has created a culture of ************, humiliation, and emotional abuse. She speaks to employees with open hostility, regularly calling them “stupid,” shouting at them in front of others, and belittling even the smallest mistakes. She shows no interest in training or developing her team and expects people to "figure it out" immediately or suffer the consequences. If you ask for help, you’re seen as weak or ***********. Even more disturbing are her openly discriminatory remarks, particularly against South African staff. I have personally heard her express her dislike for South Africans and watched her treat them as inferior. No matter how committed or capable you are, if you're South African, your efforts are dismissed, and you are constantly made to feel inadequate. This behavior is not just unprofessional—it is deeply offensive and discriminatory. Employees who give their all are discarded without hesitation. I know of a colleague who worked tirelessly, performing HR duties and other critical functions, often staying overnight to meet deadlines—yet she was insulted, underpaid, and eventually forced out without any appreciation for her work. She was earning less than R6,000 while doing the job of three people. Meanwhile, Mr. Kofi occasionally steps in to mediate, but his attempts are often undermined by his wife’s relentless abuse of power. The environment is so toxic that people walk out mid-shift or fall into depression from the emotional toll. Gadget Boss is not a workplace—it is a hostile, degrading space that breaks people down. To the South African labour authorities: This company must be investigated. What’s happening here is a violation of basic human rights and labour laws. No one deserves to be treated this way—not for a paycheck, and certainly not in silence. To job seekers: Avoid Gadget Boss at all costs. No job is worth sacrificing your self-worth, mental health, and dignity. You deserve better. To Mrs. Kofi: The way you treat people will catch up with you. Power doesn’t excuse abuse. What you’re doing is not strong leadership—it’s cruelty disguised as authority.