The Congress of South African Trade Unions in Mpumalanga condemns in strongest terms the opportunistic and misguided stunt by the EFF of fuelling violence and influencing workers to embark on an unprotected strike, which led to the mass dismissal of 70 workers, who are members of Southern Africa Clothing and Textile Workers Union(SACTWU). These workers employed by Knittex company in Mkhuhlu are disgruntled about the disbursement of TERS funds. The EFF is playing politics with the lives of the workers.

We call upon our members and workers not to allow themselves to be misled by political opportunists who are going to destroy their livelihoods for political purposes. The misguided and shallow opportunism of EFF is dangerous at a time when the economy is hemorrhaging jobs at an alarming rate.

Workers should continue to challenge intransigent employers within the ambit of the labour laws. There should refuse to be misled by people who pay no price for being wrong.

COSATU and SACTWU will continue to ensure that justice is served, and workers receive what is due to them. We pride ourselves of defending the workers without being reckless and populist.

Issued by: -COSATU Mpumalanga

Provincial Secretary

Thabo Mokoena

0737502041