Makhado Samwu leaders suspended for alleged misconduct
Sydney Rabakali and Tsanwani Raduvha are accused of failing to provide adequate leadership and political guidance at local level, among other allegations.
LIMPOPO – The chairperson and secretary of the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) in the Makhado Municipality, have been suspended following allegations of misconduct.
Provincial leader Patrick Aphane made the decision to suspend Sydney Rabakali (chairperson) and Tsanwani Raduvha (secretary) on May 23, pending an investigation and potential disciplinary action.
The Samwu provincial secretary confirmed the allegations against Rabakali and Raduvha, which include seizing the microphone from the provincial chairperson during an address and prohibiting the chant ‘Viva ANC’.
Additionally, they are accused of failing to provide adequate leadership and political guidance at local level.
A letter obtained by CV confirmed their suspension status.
The letter outlined that Rabakali and Raduvha would be informed of the date, time, and venue for the disciplinary hearing and imposed several conditions.
They are prohibited from acting on behalf of Samwu, communicating with management about their suspension, and speaking to the media.
Following a meeting on May 28, some Makhado Samwu members requested their immediate reinstatement.
An anonymous local union member claimed that the suspensions were not recognised by local Samwu members and urged the provincial leadership to rescind them, arguing that the suspensions communicated via WhatsApp were disrespectful and unprocedural.
The members have resolved not to attend the upcoming elective conference on June 12 if the suspensions stand, viewing them as a tactic to prevent Rabakali and Raduvha from contesting positions.
They also proposed a motion of no confidence in Makhado Municipality shop steward and Samwu regional acting secretary, Ronny Rihlampfu. The majority of workers believe that the suspension of their leaders equates to suspending the entire Samwu membership in the municipality.
Despite invitations, the union’s provincial leadership has not yet addressed the workers.
According to local members, the provincial leadership is accused of pushing a political agenda and interfering with Makhado Municipality politics to exclude Rabakali and Raduvha from the upcoming shop steward elections.
Raduvha and Rabakali declined to comment on the matter.
