UPDATE: Will justice prevail for ‘K-word’ lady?

“We are disappointed by the fact that a senior employee called an employee the K-word and we hope that the law deals with the perpetrator and we will of course mobilise our members of COSATU to the court on July 18,” this is according to Gerald Twala, COSATU provincial secretary.

If Sandy Shipman, a Foskor employee, had only unleashed a high-volume rant at Feroza Peters, a fellow employee, a high interest from residents and political parties would have been of mere passing interest. But her use of a racial slur, made her another national notorious individual, and led to political parties’ involvement.

Read: PHALABORWA: Woman due in court for racial outburst

The EFF also conducted a meeting in regard to this matter and said they will submit a letter to Foskor.

“Economic Freedom Fighters condemn the racist actions by white people who go around threatening black workers, they must meet the full might of the law and they must stop threatening black people with impunity. Sandy Shipman has not been suspended and is still going to work and enjoying the white privileges. We are going to mobilise ourselves, write and use all measures to ensure justice prevails. We further call upon the fronted Vice President of Foskor James [Morothoba] to lead and protect our people,” said EFF member of the EFF Provincial Leadership, Agreement Mmola.

On Tuesday, Sandy Shipman (57), allegedly called a fellow employee, Feroza Peters, the dreadfull ‘K-word’ which is considered the most offensive racial slur in South Africa.

She was arrested on Wednesday, June 13, and appeared in the Phalaborwa Magistrate Court on Thursday, June 14, and was granted R1 000 bail on condition that she does not interfere directly or indirectly with Feroza Peters.

The HERALD contacted the victim, Feroza Peters, and she could not comment.

The HERALD also contacted Foskor and they said that they are well aware of the alleged accident and that an urgent investigation has been initiated.

“Foskor is aware of an alleged incident involving two employees in which one of them allegedly used the ‘K-word’. The Company has instituted an urgent investigation in order to establish facts that will assist in ensuring that an appropriate and impartial remedial course of action is followed. The course of action will be carried out in accordance with the company’s internal processes, which are independent from the pending criminal justice processes as instituted by the employee,” said Group Manager: Corporate Affairs, Abram Ledwaba.

“We are taking a deliberate view that where allegations against employees are proven to be true, the company’s executive team will stand fully behind the management team for taking appropriate steps against the perpetrator(s),” he continued.

The NUM also told the HERALD that they want an immediate suspension of Sandy Shipman pending investigations.

“The allegations came to the attention of our union and we demand an immediate suspension pending investigations,” said Mxosa Nkosihlanga, Secretary of National Union of Mineworkers Foskor Branch.

The HERALD also received calls from residents concerning the alleged incident.

Each of these residents asked to remain anonymous because of the fear of reprisal.

“It is very shocking to hear such words coming from an employee of a company that prides itself for being the only vertically integrated phosphate producer in South Africa, Foskor (Pty) ltd.,” said a disgruntled resident.

“It is people like Sandy Shipman who are constantly fuelling the fires of racism in our land. She called the black lady the ‘K-word’ in fact to humiliate, denigrate and injure the dignity of us black people,” said another resident.

“I feel it is totally unfair. When a white person uses the ‘K-word’ we get punished. Why does it not happen the other way round as well? “They say we are racists or we hate blacks, it is not true, God created us all. Why is there so much hate all of a sudden? What is good for the goose is good for the gander,” said another resident.

“This is not good at all, she deserves to rot in jail,” another resident voiced their comment.

Shipman is set to appear again before the Phalaborwa Magistrate court on July 18, 2018, for further police investigations.