Nehawu-affiliated workers at the Eastern Cape legislature are threatening to disrupt Friday’s state of the province address (Sopa) following their decision to resume their strike action yesterday.
More than 230 workers accused the Bhisho legislature of failing to give them “satisfactory” answers as to what had been done to address their grievances.
Their demands include an end to manipulation of tenders, and to “job favouritism”, at their work place.
The Dispatch reported two years ago on allegations of jobs for pals at the house, led by speaker Noxolo Kiviet. An investigation was conducted and a preliminary report pointed at three senior officials. It is unclear if the investigation was finalised.
Instead, last month workers once again threatened to go on strike over the same complaint of job favouritism, as well as manipulation of tenders.
But the strike action was averted after Kiviet committed to investigate the allegations.
National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union branch chairman Madoda Nkwali said during a general meeting yesterday, workers realised that their complaints to the speaker had not been addressed.
He said it was at the meeting where the angry workers resolved to also immediately take action, and as a result yesterday the workers disrupted a protocol meeting which was busy preparing for Friday’s Sopa.
“ we also went to toyi-toyi outside the ANC caucus venue , to let the ANC know something is wrong here,” said Nkwali.
But Kiviet’s spokeswoman Maria Hermans said although they were aware of the protest, operations were not disrupted yesterday.
“The legislature is operational and preparations for the Sopa are on track,” said Hermans.
Nkwali said at yesterday’s meeting workers supported a call to down tools indefinitely, saying if their demands are not met by Friday, the Sopa which Premier Phumulo Masualle is scheduled to table would be disrupted.
“Our members will not take part in the preparations for the Sopa either,” Nkwali added. — zolilem@tisoblackstar.co.za
Nehawu workers to continue strike action
More than 230 workers accused the Bhisho legislature of failing to give them “satisfactory” answers as to what had been done to address their grievances.
Their demands include an end to manipulation of tenders, and to “job favouritism”, at their work place.
The Dispatch reported two years ago on allegations of jobs for pals at the house, led by speaker Noxolo Kiviet. An investigation was conducted and a preliminary report pointed at three senior officials. It is unclear if the investigation was finalised.
Instead, last month workers once again threatened to go on strike over the same complaint of job favouritism, as well as manipulation of tenders.
But the strike action was averted after Kiviet committed to investigate the allegations.
National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union branch chairman Madoda Nkwali said during a general meeting yesterday, workers realised that their complaints to the speaker had not been addressed.
He said it was at the meeting where the angry workers resolved to also immediately take action, and as a result yesterday the workers disrupted a protocol meeting which was busy preparing for Friday’s Sopa.
“ we also went to toyi-toyi outside the ANC caucus venue , to let the ANC know something is wrong here,” said Nkwali.
But Kiviet’s spokeswoman Maria Hermans said although they were aware of the protest, operations were not disrupted yesterday.
“The legislature is operational and preparations for the Sopa are on track,” said Hermans.
Nkwali said at yesterday’s meeting workers supported a call to down tools indefinitely, saying if their demands are not met by Friday, the Sopa which Premier Phumulo Masualle is scheduled to table would be disrupted.
“Our members will not take part in the preparations for the Sopa either,” Nkwali added. — zolilem@tisoblackstar.co.za
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