Union and dept in wrangle over Mendi award
‘Thomas was never recognised for his bravery by the Province
or the department’
MEMBERS of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) claim that the head of the Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture threatened to charge them for wanting to celebrate the Order of Mendi award for bravery that was bestowed posthumously on city hero Kgomotso Thomas.
Thomas, 36, died while saving two Northern Cape book club members from drowning in the sea near George in 2019 while they were attending the 10th national Funda Mzantsi championship on September 25, 2019.
Nehawu branch secretary Moses Vorster said members wanted to visit the family on May 5 during their picketing hour but were prevented from doing so.
“The HOD threatened to charge us if anyone arrived a bit late from their lunch break as they do not all have access to transport. We see this as victimisation. Thomas was never recognised for his bravery by the Province or the department, whereas he received one of the highest awards from the president. He was on duty when he sacrificed his life.
“His colleagues wanted to see the award and celebrate it with his family,” said Vorster.
Masego Meremetsi said the award was accepted by their mother, Ipeleng Mazabane, on behalf of Thomas on April 28.
“It was such an honour to meet
President Cyril Ramaphosa in the flesh and to eat lunch with him. My brother finally received the recognition that he deserved,” said Meremetsi.
She added that they were left “empty-handed”, waiting for Thomas’ colleagues to visit them last week.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture indicated that it “would not be responding” to media enquiries.