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COSATU in the Western Cape has learned with great shock and dismay about the horrific and fatal accident that occurred on Tuesday, 12 December 2023 on Occultdale Road near Philadelphia, which claimed the lives of three farmworkers. The Provincial Secretary of COSATU Malvern De Bruyn, visited the scene of the accident this morning and was informed that close to 70 workers were on the truck when the accident took place. 

Once again, COSATU calls on the Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi, to enforce the ban on the transportation of farmworkers on trucks. We furthermore also call on law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate this matter to ensure that justice is served. The farm owner must take full responsibility for what happened, and he must offer compensation to the families of the deceased and the injured farmworkers.

The Federation extends its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured farmworkers.

We also urge the Human Rights Commission to investigate this matter as we are of the view that the rights of the workers have been infringed.

Issued by COSATU Western Cape