VEREENIGING. – Some expelled shop-stewards from the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) have established a new nest.
This they call Democratic Municipality and Allied Workers Union of South Africa, DEMAWUSA. Regional Demawusa Chairperson Jabu Mpho Khambule says they established this union after some members were suspended and expelled by the South African Municipality Workers Union (SAMWU) in October last year. Among officials who alleged that they had a door unethically slammed in their faces is Sonnyboy Mofokeng and Khambule. After suspension, they were apparently instructed not to convene or attend any meetings related to the union and any municipality. The names of these suspended officials were reportedly deleted from the union’s lists. Khambule told Sedibeng Ster that, “With all due respect, we are not being arrogant. There’s still a better future after Samwu. We refused to be dictated to in terms, for a crime we did not commit.” The union has been welcomed by the Department of Labour. “Within two months we have scored a huge number of members.” There are 7 000 members in Emfuleni, Midvaal and Lesedi Municipality. The union was formally launched at Vereeniging Theatre recently. The national office bearers will be introduced around October.
