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The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) condemns taxi violence against innocent people and is outraged by the shooting of a Putco bus driver (Raymond Ngomani) during the Mamelodi minibus taxi drivers’ protest. In this instance, turbulent protests is not serving workers ’interest or those of the country in any way. Rather, violence undermines both societal and industrial peace, creating a negative international image for our country and contributing to the already existing challenges facing our economy. The best and most enabling solutions can be reached through cooperation and in harmony in social dialogue said Dennis George, FEDUSA General Secretary.

FEDUSA promotes and believes in the principle of peaceful societies and sustainable cities.  South African citizens have the constitutional right to feel safe and the reduction of violent deaths is an important objective for all citizens to strive towards in order to create peaceful societies, added George. Furthermore, it is critical that citizens and workers have access to safe, affordable and reliable transport.

We therefore calls on the government to take a firm stand on a situation that has become all too familiar in South African society.  We are swiftly sinking into a societal norm based not on the rule of law but on a belief that individuals or groups can viciously resort to murder and plunder to achieve their own ends. The growing public perception that police presence at such ocurrences means nothing at all does nothing to promote South Africa’s image both inside and outside its borders. The government needs to act to ensure that parties with competing business interests in the transport sector do not take the law into their own hands in such a way that the lives of South African commuters are endangered. Wanton murder and the plundering of property cannot and should not be tolerated said Koos Bezuidenhout, FEDUSA President.

The Federation is deeply saddened by the shooting of the Putco bus driver (Raymond Ngomani) as well as four passengers and we wish them all a speedy recovery. We further extend support to our partner in SACUTO Joseph Maqhekeni, who also serves as the President of National Council of Trade Unions (NACTU) in condemning violence during protests in our country.

Issued by FEDUSA