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SAMWU Condemns Racial Attack |
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SAMWU Condemns Racial Attack by the Media in Limpopo
SAMWU PRESS STATEMENT
20 July 2010.
Newspapers in the Limpopo Province especially the Tzaneen Community Newspapers’ obsession with sensational reporting has led to a distortion of the truth and has even tried to deflect grave issues of corruption and nepotism raised by the largest Local Government Union SAMWU, all because of these newspapers long held view; to protect the elite and white minority.
The local newspapers have resorted to obscuring of facts, and have adopted a hostile approach when reporting on issues raised by SAMWU. We caution these newspapers and encourage them to report accurately and convey the truth. It is quite well known with the community Newspapers in Tzaneen that certain groups are more important than others.
SAMWU has noticed with concern, these community newspapers new found tendencies, to always report positively on the financial situation of the local Municipality in Tzaneen, irrespective of noting that several state institutions are investigating financial positions and amongst our recommendations; conducting of forensic audits and putting the Municipality under administration.
These Newspapers in the Province went as far as accusing SAMWU of being a “mob union”, “racist” calling us a host of names that should not even be printed in a newspaper, in order to cling to their comfort zones of continuing to oppress the communities who have been receiving inadequate service delivery. We know that these newspapers are protecting certain individuals, when we expose them over issues of corruption and the likes, then these reactionary newspapers howl at us and therefore miss the point.
SAMWU raised concerns on the late payment of salaries to workers at the Tzaneen Municipality, but because these newspapers did not want to question why late payment occurred, our fathers and mothers continued to be harassed by capitalist firms as debit orders went on dry funds.
As SAMWU we are strongly against any form of racism, as the largest Local Government Union in the country, we represent people from all racial groupings and backgrounds.
SAMWU will continue with its national mandate and use a number of strategies to achieve our goals. We will not be intimidated by sensational newspaper reporting anywhere in the country. We will continue to defend our leadership in the Limpopo province, including our local secretary, Kenneth Makhubele and the entire membership, against any attack from any corner.
SAMWU appeals to members of the media to educate themselves about issues relating to Local Government, before jumping to uninformed conclusions; as this kind of reporting incites hatred and violence against the Unions members.
For further comment contact SAMWU’s Branch Chairperson T. Tshililo on 082 412 9451.
Issued by:
Tahir Sema.
South African Municipal Workers' Union of COSATU.
National Media and Publicity Officer.
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Office: 011-331 0333.
Cell: 0829403403.
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Worker's News April 2008 PART 1 (514)
