ongoing South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) security
guards Strike
21 April 2006
Western Cape Ministers for Community Safety Leonard Ramatlakane and Health
Pierre Uys say the ongoing wage strike by security guards has now turned into
acts of crime and violence. The Western Cape Department of Health say the
strikers have adversely affected many of its facilities as a result of acts of
violence and damage to property.
On 13 April 2006, for example, a group of marchers from the security guard
industry on strike, broke away from the march and entered the Grootte Schuur
Hospital premises causing damage to property, injuring staff and compromising
the security of patients and staff.
Health Minister Pierre Uys said, "Our health facilities treat a number of
extremely ill patients and the Western Cape Department of Health strongly
condemns the violent actions of strikers and their lack of respect for the ill
and the dignity of a healthcare facility."
Minister Uys added that, "The incident has left staff traumatised and brings
to question the morals and integrity of these strikers. Our hospitals and
healthcare facilities should be protected against incidents of violence such as
these, as well as many other incidents of vandalism. The Department of Health
will not hesitate to seek legal advice and take action against perpetrators
found guilty of such conduct."
Commenting on these incidents and several others, Minister Ramatlakane said,
"The right to strike and to stage demonstrations in support of better working
conditions and wage demands, is recognised and is protected by the Labour
Relations Act.
âHowever, it is unacceptable when strikers will then choose to abuse those
rights and in the process, commit acts of crime and violence. It becomes
illegal for strikers, who in the course of a legal march, go on an unregulated
route and enter the Grootte Schuur hospital and beat people at random.
âIt becomes an act of crime and violence when strikers would force their way
into Khayelitsha day hospital and open fire with guns and shoot randomly at
people. The same goes for what they did in Nyanga Junction, looting of shops
and damaging property.
âThese are all illegal acts under the guise of a legal strike. All of these
actions cannot be condoned. The Police will investigate them and where
necessary, the law will take its course," said Minister Ramatlakane.
They added that the situation is being closely monitored. "Tomorrow, we will
be receiving a full briefing on the situation from the police and upon this, we
will determine our next course of actionâ.
Minister Ramatlakane says he has ordered the South African Police Service
(SAPS) to act with firmness in dealing with those strikers who have been and
are continuing to commit crime. Minister Uys has commended the staff at health
facilities who, despite these severe conditions, continue to provide a
dedicated service to the people of the Western Cape. Both Ministers have called
on parties to settle the impasse through negotiations.
Enquiries:
Makhaya Mani
Media Liaison and Ministerial Spokesman
Ministry of Community Safety
Tel: (021) 483 3873
Cell: 082 780 4493
Issued by: Office of the MEC for Community Safety and Office of MEC for
Health, Western Cape Provincial Government
21 April 2006
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za/)
