COSATU Gauteng Province is angered and disgusted by video evidence received showing that members of our affiliate, the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) were brutally shot, some in the back, after a peaceful meeting with management to discuss the long-outstanding *PFA (Politically Facilitated Agreement) challenges that remain unresolved.

The footage shows a young worker with two open wounds on his back consistent with rubber bullets, SAPS Nyalas lined up on the highway, teargas smoke, and workers in SAMWU regalia protesting out of frustration.

This is not crowd management. This is the criminalisation of workers’ legitimate demands. Workers raised PFA issues in a boardroom. They came out with no solution and were met with bullets.

COSATU Gauteng declares:

1.  We stand with SAMWU, an injury to SAMWU is an injury to COSATU. The shooting of a worker in the back for demanding his pension and the implementation of Pension Fund Agreement is an injury to the entire Federation.

2.  Management must be held liable and comply to the fullest with the Politically Facilitated Agreement, as for years  Johannesburg Metro has deducted pension contributions from workers but failed to remit to the pension fund. That is wage theft. Now workers are shot for demanding an end to theft. Management created this crisis.

3.  We demand immediate action from the State:

• IPID must immediately investigate SAPS for shooting unarmed workers in the back. We have video evidence and we will submit it.
• SAPS must explain why rubber bullets were fired at retreating workers.
• MEC for COGTA Gauteng must intervene and institute a forensic audit into PFA non-implementation.
• The injured comrade must receive full medical care and compensation at employer’s cost.

4.  Programme of Action: COSATU Gauteng POB’s will convene an emergency session with SAMWU. We will not hesitate to call a provincial stay-away in solidarity if justice is not served within 7 days.

We call on all workers to remain disciplined, united, and to document all evidence. 

We will not be shot for demanding our pensions! 

Hands off SAMWU! Pay the PFA money now! 

Issued by:

Louisa Modikwe obo Gauteng POB’s

Provincial Secretary – COSATU Gauteng

Cell: 082 297 2659