It is with profound shock, sadness and outrage that the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (SACTWU) has learned of the brutal murder of our comrade, Bernita Fourie, a long-serving senior shop steward, respected leader and former delegate to the SACTWU National Executive Committee (NEC).

A clothing industry worker, comrade Bonnie as she was affectionally known, devoted many years of her life to advancing the interests of workers and strengthening our union.  Bonnie was born into a District Six family that was forcibly removed to Manenberg under apartheid.  She spent more than three decades in the clothing industry.  Through her commitment to workers and her passion for social justice, she grew from a young factory worker into one of SACTWU’s most respected shop stewards and leaders.

Recently retired, she remained a committed trade unionist who served workers with dedication, courage and conviction.  For many workers, comrade Bonnie was more than a shop steward. She was a counsellor, mentor, advocate and friend, known for her willingness to assist workers and their families through both workplace and personal challenges.  Her passing is a tremendous loss to her family, friends, colleagues, former co-workers, fellow unionists and the wider labour movement.

The circumstances of her death are particularly distressing.  That such a horrific act should occur on the final day of Women’s Month is a painful reminder that violence against women remains one of the greatest social challenges facing our country.  SACTWU condemns this brutal murder in the strongest possible terms.  We call upon the South African Police Service (SAPS) and all relevant law enforcement authorities to prioritise the investigation into this crime and to ensure that those responsible are prosecuted and brought to justice without delay.  We welcome the arrest of the suspect to this horrific crime.

SACTWU reaffirms our commitment to the struggle against gender-based violence and all forms of violence directed against women.  No woman should have to live in fear in her home, workplace or community.  Today we mourn the loss of a dedicated shop steward, trade union leader and servant of working people.  We also renew our commitment to building a society in which women can live in safety, dignity and freedom.

In honour of comrade Bonnie’s memory, SACTWU is engaging with her family, our members and our structures regarding appropriate commemorative activities and further initiatives to strengthen the fight against violence against women.

We extend our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to comrade Bonnie’s family, loved ones and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her during her many years of service to working people.

May comrade Bernita Fourie rest in peace.

Issued by SACTWU.

BONITA LOUBSER

General Secretary

SACTWU

For further comment, please contact:

SACTWU Collective Bargaining Coordinator, Fachmy Abrahams

0814725841