Absolute worst company to work for. Doesn't pay employees what they are due and treat employees terribly

FORMAL COMPLAINT SUBMITTED: ******* AND UNFAIR TREATMENT OF MINOR BY ROADSIDE BOYS,274 Rokewood st, Pomona, Kemptonpark, 1619, 011 396 3506

Regarding: Nathan de Lange (16 years old) Employment Start Date: 12 March 2025 Termination Date: 15 April 2025 Submitted by: Riaan de Lange (Parent of Nathan)

To the CCMA, Department of Labour, media platforms, and the general public:

This is an official complaint regarding the ******** and exploitative treatment of my 16-year-old son, Nathan de Lange, by Roadside Boys.

Nathan began work on 12 March 2025, the same day he was interviewed. He was enthusiastic, driven, and committed. Initially supervised by an employee named Jacques—who later resigned due to unacceptable working conditions and unpaid overtime—Nathan continued working under poor conditions.

Nathan is legally a minor and may not sign an employment contract without the consent or presence of a parent or guardian. Nevertheless, a contract was allegedly signed without our involvement. Repeated requests to obtain a copy of this contract have been ignored by office personnel and Werner, a person clearly acting in a managerial capacity.

On 15 April 2025, Nathan was dismissed via WhatsApp while already on site. The message read:

“Morning Nathan Nathan you are in a 3-month probation period now. I think it’s better if you rather stop.”

This came after working 15+ hours on the previous Saturday, including late-night labour involving fiberglass exposure without proper safety gear, no rest, and no supervision. He became physically ill and mentally exhausted.

We, as his parents, prohibited him from working on Sunday, 13 April, due to his condition.

Violations committed by Roadside Boys include: Employing a minor without legal parental consent

No formal employment contract provided to parents

Excessive working hours (over 12 hours per day on several occasions)

No rest periods or supervision

No overtime agreements or overtime pay

No payslips or proof of payment

Dismissal without due process or documentation

Exposure to hazardous materials (fiberglass) without PPE

After the dismissal, I contacted Werner directly and requested:

A copy of the signed employment contract

Payslips for all worked hours

A formal letter of dismissal

Despite multiple promises, none of these documents have been received. I have retained WhatsApp communications as evidence, which are being submitted alongside this complaint.

Werner attempted to discredit my son’s character in messages—irrelevant to the ******* conduct carried out against a minor under his company’s care.

Action to be taken: As of today, will:

Filed a formal complaint with the CCMA

Reported the incident to the Department of Labour

Begun public documentation of the case on social media and other platforms

Started compiling evidence for press release distribution

Roadside Boys poses a danger to South African youth—physically, emotionally, and legally. We are also aware of additional incidents, including unsafe trailer work without qualified supervision.

This statement is being shared to ensure transparency, protect other young workers, and hold those in charge accountable.

If you have experienced similar treatment by this company, please contact me directly at 081 216 5582.

Riaan de Lange Parent of Nathan de Lange 2025/05/12