Makhado Samwu leader suspended for alleged misconduct

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 took the decision on May 23 to suspend Sydney Rabakali (Chairman) and Tsanwani Raduvha (Secretary) pending the outcome of an investigation and possible disciplinary action.

The Samwu provincial secretary confirmed the allegations against Rabakali and Raduvha, which include hijacking the provincial chairman’s microphone during a speech and banning him from chanting “Viva ANC”.

They are also accused of not providing sufficient leadership and political guidance at the local level.

A letter obtained by CV confirmed her suspension status.

The letter stated that Rabakali and Raduvha would be informed of the date, time and place of the disciplinary hearing and set out 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 28 May, some members of Makhado Samwu demanded their immediate reinstatement.

An anonymous local union representative claimed that the suspensions were not recognized by local Samwu members and called on the provincial leadership to lift them, arguing that the suspensions communicated via WhatsApp were disrespectful and unprocedural.

Members have decided not to attend the upcoming elective conference on June 12 if the suspensions remain in place, as they see them as a tactic to prevent Rabakali and Raduvha from running for positions.

They also tabled a motion of no confidence against Makhado Municipality union representative and acting Samwu Regional Secretary Ronny Rihlampfu. The majority of workers believe that suspending their leaders would be tantamount to suspending all Samwu members in the municipality.

Despite invitations, the union’s provincial leadership has not yet contacted the workers.

According to local members, the provincial leadership is accused of pushing a political agenda and interfering in Makhado municipality politics to exclude Rabakali and Raduvha from the upcoming union representative elections.

Raduvha and Rabakali declined to comment on the matter.