Province to probe several NUM grievances

NATIONALUnion of Mineworkers (NUM) members marched to the provincial legislature yesterday to ask the government to probe Good Hope Construction.

Department of Transport and Public Works head of department Jacqui Gooch told them their allegations would be investigated, including unfair labour practices that the company employed gangsters as security guards in Kraaifontein and did not provide workers with protective equipment.

The company is contracted to build three schools

Gooch received a threepage memorandum from the NUM and promised to respond later.

NUM regional coordinator Patrick Hlengisa told Gooch: “We are saying, help us and don’t keep quiet when companies are not complying. Good Hope is employing gangsters and we want your department to intervene before it is too late because those buildings are going to collapse on your children.”

SACP regional chairperson Monde Nqulwana said: “The Department of Public Works should have taken more measures with regards to compliance.”

Gooch told the Cape Times: “Workers were clear what the issues are (and) it is not the first time we are told what the issues are”.

Gooch said the department had met the NUM and it was agreed the allegations would be investigated and the department would meet with the construction company to afford them an opportunity to respond.

Good Hope Construction director Raziek Rajah denied the allegations and said he welcomed an investigation

“The allegations are unfounded. The security company we work with is registered. We have provided safety equipment to our workers,” he said.