THE South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) in the Ilembe district held its first general meeting at the KwaDukuza Town Hall, last week and introduced 19 newly elected shop stewards.
Former union secretary, Sipho Mzimela, was elected as chairperson, Phumlile Ntuli as the new deputy chairperson, while Simphiwe Magagula was elected as secretary.
Addressing the meeting, Magagula acknowledged that leadership roles come with responsibilities and consequences.
‘Never has there been a greater need for a strong, militant and democratic workers’ movement. SAMWU has been strengthened and we are ready for battle in defence of the working class.
‘Reports handed over by the outgoing leadership indicate a decline in our membership and activity. We have a duty therefore to work twice as hard for all workers so that we win back those who revoked their SAMWU membership, and also welcome new members.
‘It is no secret that our beloved union hasn’t achieved much in the past three years. We are no longer interested in the past. We are rebuilding this union.
‘We do not perceive employers as the enemy, rather as comrades-in-arms working together with us to improve workers’ lives,’ Magagula said.
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