Solidarity supports investigation at Medupi
10 August 2021
Solidarity supports Eskom’s investigation following an explosion at the Medupi coal-fired power station this weekend. Solidarity also announced that it will represent its members implicated in the explosion and suspended, during the process.
“We are currently compiling motivational documentation to provide reasons why our members should not be suspended. Regarding the statement that sabotage was committed, it is highly unlikely that employees would risk their jobs and especially their lives to cause an explosion. It is a pity that there is financial damage and of course damage to the power plant, but Eskom must not lose sight of the fact that human error is a reality when tasks are physically done by hand. We trust and believe that the investigation will prove the innocence of our members,” said Deon Reyneke, Deputy Chief Executive of Labour Relations at Solidarity.
According to Solidarity the explosion is a tragic accident, and it cannot be assumed that it is due to the intentional actions of the employees. He further argues that the nature of the explosion was life-threatening and that it is unlikely that employees would risk their lives to sabotage only a single generator in the plant.
“It is important to realise that no person is implicated by the investigation yet, and that the main purpose of the investigation is to find the cause of the accident, and that it does not necessarily mean there is a guilty party. Employees should therefore not be treated as guilty prematurely and without evidence. We support Eskom’s decision to investigate the explosion and have advised our members to cooperate fully with the investigation. We will also represent them during the process.
“The explosion was a major shock to us and our members that were on duty at the plant. It is tragic that this explosion took place. Solidarity is grateful that there was no loss of life,” Reyneke concluded.
Issued by Deon Reyneke, Deputy Chief Executive: Labour Relations, Solidarity, 10 August 2021
