EFF march to SPAR, demanding accountability

Members of the EFF Ekurhuleni Labour Desk marched to SUPERSPAR at Chris Hani Mall on May 18, demanding accountability from the store.

The march follows the death of Phindile Khuzwayo, a SPAR employee who committed suicide due to alleged ill-treatment from her supervisor at work.

Labour desk head Koketso Mojatau said they have received 49 complaints from this SPAR’s employees.

“There was one that is the most important and fundamental to us – the death of Khuzwayo,” said Mojatau.

“She committed suicide and left a note but nobody has taken responsibility. We were only told the supervisor was given paid leave.

“Things cannot continue like this,” said Mojatau.

Mojatau said SPAR issued a report on the matter, which the deputy chairperson tore apart in the meeting, citing it is an insult to the deceased and the family.

“The report still blames the deceased. We cannot accept this report because it is an insult to Khuzwayo.”

He said during the meeting all workers said they have a problem at the specific SPAR, stating they no longer want to work there.

According to Mojatau, the workers indicated there is bullying, exploitation and intimidation by their supervisors and managers.

He said workers informed him that when they want to speak out against management they are threatened with dismissal.

The EFF questioned why SPAR was supporting Khuzwayo’s family with groceries while failing to concede that is their fault.

Mojatau proposed SPAR should hire one person of the family to replace Khuzwayo, as she was the breadwinner.

“But we do not want that person to be bullied again. If they don’t want anyone from the family to work there then they must compensate the family properly because vegetables and Oros are not sustainable as a feeding scheme,” said Mojatau.

Kathorus MAIL visited the family on May 21 at their home in Vosloorus.

The mother of the late Khuzwayo, Phumzile, described her daughter as an introvert.

She said her daughter started working at SAPR as a casual worker in December.

“After some time, she complained about the behaviour of her supervisor. I told her you will always find such people in any work environment.

“On the day in question, she came and told me about her three colleagues, who were her friends, and the argument between them. I don’t know what the argument was about because she asked one of the girls to resolve the matter between themselves before going to management, but the three girls turned against her.”

The mother said on the night before the fateful day, Kuzwayo broke down saying, ‘mum, I couldn’t say anything. I couldn’t even defend myself because they were all saying it was me’.

“I understood that the supervisor implied that my daughter caused conflicts. I thought it was nothing serious. I said to my child that in life we fall, but we have to stand up and keep pushing on. In response, she said okay and asked, ‘mum, do you know I am working for you?”

Kuzwayo’s mother said on the morning her daughter took her life that they went to bed around 9pm the previous night.

“Phindile woke up at around midnight, saying she was feeling hot. I brought her water, but she would vomit after drinking it. She was still talking at that time, so I suggested we should sleep as we were supposed to go to work in the morning.

“After I switched off the lights she asked ‘but mom how will I face everyone at SPAR tomorrow? What are they going to say? When I enter all eyes will be on me, they think I am the person who creates conflicts at work’.
She said the letter Kuzwayo wrote does not explain her reasons for committing suicide.

“She addressed the letter to her close friends and myself – people who appreciated and supported her. She stated that she loves us,” she added.

She said the truth has to be known because there are many rumours about her daughter’s death.

“My daughter did not have problems until she started working at SPAR. She is a quiet person and did not appreciate being yelled at for making mistakes. We all need time to adapt.

“My child was very happy at home. I have never seen her depressed or overthinking,” said the mother.
She said the family is considering the EFFs suggestion that SPAR should employ one member of the family to replace Kuzwayo.

The EFF also discussed the following issues with SPAR:
• Workers who are working without contracts
• The issue of forced leave
• Working hours
•.Workers who were injured during work, but who have not been compensated since 2017

The operations director of this SPAR, Toli Maluleke, said the human resources department will be looking at certain issues regarding the matter.
Maluleke said the company has nothing to hide about TEF payment since all employees have contracts.

“At our next engagement with the EFF, my expectation is that we will find common ground and resolve the matter,” said Maluleke.