Transnet tightens security following more Ngqura violence

Following further incidents of violence over the weekend during the strike at the Nqgura Container Terminal in Port Elizabeth, Transnet has heightened security at all its facilities in the area to protect its employees.



Wandisa Vazi, Transnet Port Terminals’ regional corporate affairs manager, Eastern Cape Terminals, said the company was working with the provincial police commissioner and the police had agreed to increase visibility in the areas where most employees live. The Labour Court of South Africa on Friday ordered the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (Numsa) and its members to immediately cease acts of violence and intimidation against non-striking workers.



“Transnet has offered a reward of R100 000 to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of the perpetrators. This offer still stands and we urge our colleagues and members of the public to use this opportunity,” said Vazi.



She noted that renewed intimidation, violence and general lawlessness targeted at Transnet workers who have chosen not to take part in strike action organised by Numsa entered its third day when two more houses belonging to non-striking workers were stoned in the early hours of Saturday, June 7.



“The latest incidents take the number of such attacks to a shocking 30 since the union, which represents a minority of Transnet’s over 60 000 workers, vowed to intensify its action against the company last week,” said Vazi.