SAMWU will engage the ANC on comments relating to political activism of municipal workers
The South African Municipal Workers Union in the Eastern Cape wishes to reiterate the decision of its NEC (National Executive Committee) - on the statement made by the President of the ANC in his January 8th statement, about the political activism of Municipal workers- that they should not hold leadership positions in political parties. As SAMWU we find the above statement very problematic.
We view this as an attempt by the Government to tamper with the rights of South Africans as enshrined in chapter two of the South African constitution - the right to freedom of association- this attitude displayed by the ANC is the same as that which was directed at the countries Soldiers, by trying to influence processes to de-unionize the military.
It is our considered view that this attitude is not only directed to municipal workers and SAMWU but also to other public sector unions. Municipal workers and other public sector workers cannot be made a scapegoat for challenges confronting our municipalities and government. In fact it is the political activism and vigilance of municipal workers in particular SAMWU members, which has exposed corruption and bad management in our municipalities, resulting in our members being victimized for their vigilance against corruption.
SAMWU will independently engage the ANC on this matter and strongly raise our views and concerns. As such SAMWU will table this matter at the coming Provincial Executive Committee meeting of COSATU this week on Friday the 05th February 2010 to mobilize all workers on what we feel is the continuation of anti worker tendencies.
Statement issued by Siphiwo Ndu, South African Municipal Workers' Union Eastern Cape Provincial Secretary, February 3 2010
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