The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) in Mpumalanga is intensifying the fight against racism at two Sasol garages in the province. Sasol Watermeyer and Sasol Sheritas in Emalahleni are both run by very racist and abusive managers.

Both managers are extremely racist and verbally abusive to workers. Some of our members have been called ‘ka**irs’ and publicly humiliated by the owners who frequently verbally abuse them, sometimes, in front of customers.
 
Both owners employ foreign nationals who are not registered with the Motoring Bargaining Council, MIBCO, so that they can exploit them by paying wages below the prescribed minimum rates of pay. This also makes it easier for them to abuse workers by making them work longer hours for less pay. These workers do not complain because they fear deportation.
 
We have sent a letter to Sasol headquarters demanding that they intervene. Sasol must demonstrate that it rejects racism by dealing decisively with these managers, who have no respect for workers. Furthermore, as NUMSA, we are planning pickets and strike action at these garages. We already have a certificate to strike at Sasol Watermeyer and we will embark on a strike on the 29th of September. If the managers at Sasol Sheritas continue with their backward behaviour, we will be downing tools there as well.
 

Issued by NUMSA