KwaZulu-Natal's Arts and Culture MEC Wesiwe Thusi has condemned the firing of a Durban fast food outlet employee for wearing a traditional wristband.

Spokesman Vukani Mbhele said Thusi would talk to the Human Rights Commission and the fired employee about the matter.

The Ilanga newspaper reported on Sunday that a Kentucky Friend Chicken employee, Sindile Mbongwa, was fired for wearing an isiphandla (traditional animal-skin wristband) at work.

"It is sad that there are people in our society who still disrespect others' cultures and basic human rights," Thusi said in a statement.

"As a department we strongly condemn the alleged act by the employer...This action is clearly against the law and the Constitution of our country."

The MEC said the department would not tolerate disrespect for culture.

"Under no circumstances are we going to tolerate people who, in this day and age, show utter disrespect for one's cultures and traditions."

Full investigation

The department would insist on a full investigation.

Kentucky Fried Chicken could not immediately comment.

In January a Vryheid, Free State Pick n Pay manager asked an employee to remove her wristband for "health and hygiene" reasons, according to a company spokeswoman.

"The incident occurred when, for health and hygiene reasons, the employee was asked to remove an isiphandla from her arm while on duty," said Tamra Veley, denying reports that the manager took the wristband off.

ANC Women's League secretary Nonhlanhla Khoza labelled the act "racist".