SACP Gauteng Province calls for a full investigation of Arcelor Mittal by the SA Human Rights Commission over allegations of widespread racism and violation of workers rights
5 August 2014
The SACP Gauteng Province held a successful provincial march to the Vanderbijlpark plate mill offices of Arcelor Mittal, the steel manufacturing monopoly that was stolen from public ownership and control function of the state in a vicious privatisation deal.
The SACP also calls on the SAHRC to urgently investigate serious allegations of racism against mainly Black and African workers, including those in management and professional services. The investigation must cover allegations of violation of worker`s rights relating to free political activity in that management is victimising and harassing workers that belong to certain organised formations and specifically those intending to form the SACP Industrial Unit at the workplace. We will however continue with plans to launch our industrial unit as a matter of urgency, in line with constitutional rights enjoyed by all citizens.
The SACP is in the process of formalising a written complaint for an investigation by the SAHRC.
The march to Arcelor Mittal was attended by five hundred (500) SACP members. Messages of support were received from Cosatu representative Comrade Stone Liphoko and the Young Communist League SA representative Cde Tembinkosi Pulu. The march was addressed by the SACP Provincial Secretary Comrade Jacob Mamabolo, who also handed a memorandum of demands to the representative of Arcelor Mittal, Mr. Motaung.
The SACP demands includes the:
- Re-nationalisation of Arcelor Mittal,
- Banning of labour Brokers
- Reinstatement of employers fired by labour brokers
- Free political activity for the SACP industrial unit and;
- An end to widespread racism
In handing over the memorandum, the SACP Provincial Secretary Comrade Mamabolo emphasised that `the SACP is absolutely convinced of the desirability of re-nationalising Arcelor Mittal. This is a necessary step that must be taken to transform the ownership and control function in the commanding heights of the economy and to roll back the power of monopoly capital`. The call for the re-nationalisation of Arcelor Mittal is in line with SACP 12th National Congress.
Issued on behalf of the SACP Gauteng Province
Contact:
Jacob Mamabolo: Provincial Secretary: 082 884 1868
Lucian Segami: Provincial Spokesperson: 079 522 0098
Facebook: SACP Gauteng Province
Twitter: SACP Gauteng
