Congress Of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Eastern Cape regretfully notes the burning of the Botha Sigcau building in Mthatha recently. 

The Botha Sigcau building has been housing several government departments since the advent of democracy after inheritance from the then Transkei government. The impact of the fire has dire consequences on both the workers and the communities that were receiving services from that centre. There has been numerous health and safety concerns raised by workers about the condition of the building. There have been instances of registered non-compliance to Occupational Health and Safety brought to the management of respective departments occupying the building by unions.

The multi-stakeholder Provincial Task Team proposed by National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) would help a great deal in addressing inclusivity and transparency in dealing with investigation as well finding suitable and accessible alternative offices to accommodate workers and community that has been receiving the much-needed services from departments that operated from the Botha Sigcau Building. Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations must be one of the central factors in finding alternative temporary offices.

NEHAWU, our Affiliate continues to be our ears and eyes in that space. COSATU rallies behind its Affiliates in ensuring that every workplace is a conducive environment for every worker to work in.

The Federation expresses sympathy with workers and the community of O. R. Tambo District for the inconvenience they are experiencing and losses that have been sustained after the fire broke out at Botha Sigcau Building.

Issued by COSATU Eastern Cape

Mkhawuleli Maleki

COSATU Provincial Secretary

Mobile: 082 339 5482

Email: mkhawuleli@cosatu.org.za