SACP Western Cape calls for government to suspend all compliance licences issued to Rheinmetall Denel Munition

3 November 2021

The SACP in the Western Cape is disturbed to learn that yet another explosion took place at Rheinmetall-Denel Munition precincts in Macassar on Sunday, 31 October 2021. This is exactly two days after the community led by SACP, Cosatu, the Greater Macassar Civic Organisation and the families of the eight employees who perished in the 2018 explosion, had a picket demanding the closure of the manufacturing factory. It is against the background that we demand from the Department of Employment and Labour to suspend the Explosive Licenses issued to Rheinmetall Denel Munition (PTY) LTD for Somerset West and Review all Explosive Licenses issued to Rheinmetall Denel Munition (PTY) LTD.

This is a second explosion since 3 September 2018, where an explosion occurred at the N16 building at the RDM factory. It is further our belief that the explosion occurred due to non-compliance with safety measures and negligence on the part of Rheinmetall Denel Munition. The SACP in Western Cape is dismayed at the manner in which Rheinmetall-Denel Munition has treated workers and the surrounding communities. This company continues to expose its workers and the community to hazardous and dangerous risks.

Issued by Benson Ngqentsu, Provincial Secretary, SACP WCape, 3 November 2021