The Congress of South African Trade Unions in the Free State has learned with shock about the loss of a very young life in Maluti-A-Phofung at Phuthaditjhaba. A 14-year-old boy is reported to have been part of a group of community members who were preparing to participate in a protest action against the lack of reliable and consistent electricity in their area.

It is understood that it was during the preparations for the protest that the child sustained fatal injuries. We deeply mourn the loss of life and wish to relay our condolences to the family and friends.

This is an unfortunate illustration of the repercussions that result from government’s failure to provide basic services to its citizens. It goes without saying that had there been consistent and reliable supply of electricity, the community wouldn’t have been forced to embark on a protest action and a life could have been spared.

It is unacceptable that decades into democracy life is lost due to issues related to service delivery, which is a human basic right.

We reiterate our call to Eskom and the MAP Municipality to ensure consistent and reliable supply of electricity to the area. The community remains within its rights to engage in peaceful protest action if there are issues which they are unhappy about.

COSATU Free State will raise the matter yet again in the meeting with the Free State Provincial Government scheduled over the next two weeks, with the objective of find an amicable and inclusive solution.

The struggle continues!

Issued by COSATU Free State

Enquiries Provincial Secretary Monyatso oa Mahlatsi @ 051 447 5499 or 076 115 9923