Cosatu's new health and safety committee aims to combat violence against municipal workers in KZN

Labour union federation Cosatu has set up a health and safety committee dedicated to ensuring that incidents of violence and injury to workers on duty in KwaZulu-Natal are pursued until they are finalised and responsible parties are held accountable.

The federation recently launched a 32-member health and safety committee that will track incidents involving the killing of workers and the injuries suffered on duty.

“We want to make sure that this committee tracks everything,” said Cosatu leader in KwaZulu-Natal, Edwin Mkhize, adding that employers must account for what happens to workers when they are at work.

“We are talking about the municipal workers who are killed when leaving their families destitute, the workers who are buried by soil at construction sites, and the workers who have been injured fighting fires.

“The truth of the matter is that employers are failing the workers,” said Mkhize.

Mkhize spoke on the issue of worker safety after the KZN MEC of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) released a statement highlighting concerns about the killings of municipal employees.

Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi has expressed grave concern over the escalating attacks and murders targeting municipal workers across the province.

He said these alarming incidents paint a disturbing picture and demand immediate attention from law enforcement agencies.

The MEC's statement follows a series of tragic events, including the murder of Khalesakhe Mchunu, a municipal worker from uMsinga Local Municipality, who was tragically killed on Monday in oFabeni, uMsinga.

This incident is one of several that have occurred in just the past 30 days. On June 27, 32-year-old Nokulunga Mashabane from KwaDukuza Municipality was shot dead. Days later, on July 3, an official from the eThekwini Metro was tragically killed, and others injured, when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle.

Mkhize said: “While we appreciate the MEC releasing a statement, a statement is not enough. It cannot be that workers are killed and we never hear anything after that; those responsible are never revealed or held to account.

“There have been many workers killed in the water unit (eThekwini) and in other instances. The employer must account for what happened to workers when they are at work. It cannot be that a worker is killed at work and nothing occurs. If the employer cannot account when this happens, it means the workers are not safe.”

Another union leader, who declined to be named because they are not authorised to speak to the media, said the situation is dire.

“Workers are being killed on the smallest of grounds; this is affecting even the issue of whistle-blowing.”

Buthelezi said the incidents suggest a worrying trend that must be nipped in the bud.

“These attacks on public servants who are dedicated to serving our communities are unacceptable and undermine the very fabric of local governance.”

MEC Buthelezi called on law enforcement agencies to conduct thorough investigations into these brutal crimes and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. “No stone should be left unturned in bringing those responsible to account,” he emphasised.

Furthermore, the MEC has urged municipalities to strengthen existing measures aimed at safeguarding the well-being and safety of their employees. The MEC extended his condolences to the families affected by these senseless acts of violence, reiterating his call for swift justice for the victims.

THE MERCURY