The chairperson and the secretary of the Makhado branch of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) have been suspended amidst accusations of misconduct and bringing the organisation into disrepute.
The provincial leader of SAMWU, Mr Patrick Aphane, informed them of their suspension two weeks ago. The branch chairperson, Mr Sydney Rabakali, and the secretary, Mr Tsanwani Raduvha, are accused of serious misconduct. The allegations include grabbing the microphone from the provincial chairperson of SAMWU while he was addressing members. Some claims have been made that they had insisted that "Viva ANC" should not be chanted as well as an alleged failure to provide leadership and guidance on political matters at the local level.
In a letter that Limpopo Mirror has seen, their suspension is confirmed, as well as the fact that the two will be informed of the date, time, and venue of the disciplinary hearing. They are forbidden from acting in the name of SAMWU in any form or capacity whatsoever. "You are not allowed to communicate with management about your suspension and are also not required to speak to any media about your suspension," the letter reads.
During a meeting held on 28 May, some Makhado SAMWU members demanded the immediate reinstatement of Raduvha and Rabakali. One local union member, who wishes to remain anonymous, claimed that local SAMWU members did not recognise the suspensions and had requested the provincial leadership to withdraw the decision.
The members have apparently resolved not to attend the upcoming elective conference, which will be held on 12 June, if the suspension of the two members remains in place, because they see this as a strategy to prevent them from contesting positions. The majority of workers have also apparently collectively resolved that the unlawful and unconstitutional suspension of their two principal leaders is equivalent to suspending the entire SAMWU membership in the municipality.
The union's provincial leadership was reportedly invited to address the workers but has not yet done so. According to local members, the provincial leadership is pushing their own political agenda and interfering with the politics in the Makhado Municipality. They do not want Raduvha and Rabakali to be part of the local elections for shop stewards at next month's conference.
Raduvha and Rabakali refused to comment on the matter.