South African rapper Emtee, born Mthembeni Ndevu, has taken a bold stand against alleged racial discrimination at a restaurant, igniting a call for accountability from Mike’s Kitchen CEO Chris van Zyl. The acclaimed musician, accompanied by friends, sought respite from load shedding disruptions at the Parktown-based eatery. However, what was meant to be a casual outing turned into a distressing encounter.
Emtee recounted the ordeal on social media, alleging denial of service at the establishment on grounds of perceived associations with marijuana due to their scent and the presence of visible tattoos. Branding the behaviour as racially motivated, Emtee demanded a public apology from the restaurant management.
According to a letter from Emtee, the apology must be sent by Wednesday, March 13 at the latest. If this isn’t done, the issue will be taken to court. The Pearl Thusi hitmaker labelled the event as discriminatory. He declared that support for the establishment ought to end. This comes after they received threats and calls from the police.
In response, Mike’s Kitchen issued a statement to address the incident, clarifying that the restaurant in question operates independently and is not affiliated with the Mike’s Heritage House brand. While emphasizing their dissociation from the establishment, Mike’s Kitchen unequivocally condemned any form of racism, discrimination, or prejudice, affirming their commitment to inclusivity and respect for all patrons.
Expressing solidarity with Emtee and his companions, Mike’s Kitchen extended an invitation for them to visit one of their stores to experience genuine hospitality and dispel the notion that such discriminatory encounters are reflective of their brand ethos. The statement emphasized the importance of upholding values of equality and inclusivity in all businesses, reinforcing a stance against racial bias.
Picture: @emteethehustla
