SATAWU CALLS FOR JUSTICE FOR DOMESTIC WORKERS

For Immediate Release,

14th September 202

SATAWU WANTS JUSTICE FOR SEXUALLY ABUSED DOMESTIC WORKER

The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union is rather disgusted and dismayed over the alleged sexual abuse and harassment suffered by a domestic worker in Pretoria. It came to our attention that Zimbabwean Domestic worker was Sexually abused, exploited,working from Monday- Sunday, and underpaid.

SATAWU is very astonished by these serious allegations. SATAWU understands that the employers, the wife, husband, and their son, all coming from Saudi Arabia have been sexually abusing the employee since 2020 and she was unfairly dismissed by the employers in August 2022.

The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union calls for harsh punishment for the family. The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union is of the view that regardless of one’s nationality, no domestic worker must be treated like this. We will never tolerate such abuse in this country. The country is currently fighting Gender Based Violence (GBV) where women and children are raped and killed daily, it is even more sickening when a woman is involved in such activities.

We call on the authorities to protect the dignity of those who are vulnerable and be the voice of those who are voiceless.

The South African and Allied Workers Union calls for no bail for the three family members, they are from Saudi Arabia, and we are off the view that they can flee the country. We will be monitoring the court case. We believe in the South African Justice system, and we know that justice will be served even in this case.

We call on Minister of Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi to act against those who are abusing and exploiting domestic workers. We also call on the Department’s officials to visit homes during office hours when the employers are not home, the employers who do not follow labour laws must be charged. The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union calls on all domestic workers and cleaners to come forward and report the perpetrators.

Issued by SATAWU