SATAWU Statement on PRASA Non-Payment of Provident Fund Contributions

The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) notes with concern the friction between UNTU (United National Transport Union) and PRASA (Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa) within the public space. The events and/or conflict subsequently translated into a qualitative leap whereby a criminal case on fraud and theft was opened against the appointed Administrator (Mr Mpondo Bongisizwe) with the South African Police Services (SAPS). The non-payment of worker contributions to the provident fund formed the basis of such action being taken. PRASA later confirmed that workers contributions were withheld owing to cash flow problems.

Amid these developments, SATAWU, on the contrary, requested for an urgent meeting with the Minister of Transport (Fikile Mbalula) and all relevant stakeholders before the end of April or first week of May 2020. The purpose of the meeting is to address a multiplicity of issues including the matter in question. In our letter to the Minister of Transport, we expressed concern about the current state of affairs within PRASA. Central to our discontent is the failure of Executive Managers in developing a Covid 19 strategy. The lack of leadership, seriousness and capabilities in all layers of the business are cited to be at the detriment of the National Operational Plan and Strategy. Furthermore, SATAWU stressed that implementable programs meant to curb the spread of Covid 19 through the National Committee have been thwarted by virtue of poor coordination and information sharing within PRASA Regions.

We anticipate that the planned meeting will, on one hand, elucidate the measures to be put in place in mitigating the non-payment of provident fund contributions and to address ensuing challenges within the rail agency, on the other.

Issue by: Comrade Jack Mazibuko (SATAWU General Secretary): (082) 660-4793

: Comrade Anele Kiet (SATAWU Deputy General Secretary): (073) 684-1912

: Comrade Lubabalo Tinzi (SATAWU Passenger Rail Coordinator): (082) 473-2626