The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] distances itself from the article published in today’s edition of Afro Voice titled “NEHAWU backs new wage deal”.
The article suggests that the national union has indicated that its members are happy with governments’ latest offer. In the statement released on Saturday afternoon as NEHAWU we confirmed that we were engaged in a process of reporting back to our members on the details of the offer made by government on Friday night. During an interview done with the media liaison officer of the union yesterday morning the journalist was clarified that the reporting back process is starting from Monday, 21st May 2018 until completed within two weeks, therefore it can’t be true that members are happy with something that has not been reported to them. This article is misleading and not factual as it is the misrepresentation of the union’s view.
The national union abhors distorted reporting and will immediately approach the press ombudsman if the publication does not withdraw the false article meant to isolate the leadership from members. As NEHAWU, we remain a worker-led national union that take mandates from its members and always chooses its members. The exercise of reporting to our members is for purposes of listening to them. In this regard, we want to say on record and categorically put it clear that the national union has not signed any offer regarding the public service salary negotiations as it is still waiting to receive the mandate from its members. It has always been our tradition and norm to report back and seek approval from our members and we shall never pre-empt the views of our members before the process is concluded.
Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat
Zola Saphetha (General Secretary) at 082 558 5968; December Mavuso (Deputy General Secretary) at 082 558 5969; Khaya Xaba (NEHAWU Media Liaison Officer) at 082 455 2500 or email: khaya@nehawu.org.za Visit NEHAWU website: www.nehawu.org.za