NUMSA NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR INTERCAPE BUS BURNT-DOWN IN SOMERSET WEST WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE

16 September 2015

Yester night, September 15, 2015, an Intercape double deck luxury bus was burnt-down by unknown perpetrators. This left two (2) passengers dead and scores of other passengers injured in Somerset West near Strand, Western Cape province.

This criminal act is allegedly being linked with our ongoing strike at the bus company. We want to state categorically that our members are not responsible, since this a mere act of criminality. Anyone making allegations that Numsa is involved is desperately trying to smear Numsa’s credible public image.

We have been consistent that Numsa is not a violent union and we will never resort to violent acts to raise our grievances, since such attacks will undermine the legitimacy of our strike and public sympathy.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones, and we wish those injured a speedy recovery.

We urge the law enforcement agencies, particularly the police to leave no stone unturned in finding out the perpetrators of this heinous and dastardly act. We are currently in talks with the Intercape management to find an amicable solution in resolving the industrial impasse. We are currently waiting for Intercape’s management response to the firm proposals we have tabled to end the dispute.

Numsa has since secured a meeting with the Minister of Labour for this week to try and assist Intercape in its turmoil pertaining to tariffs that have put the company in financial distress resulting in the company retrenching cabin attendants which has caused the dispute leading to this strike.

Statement issued by Vuyo Lufele, Numsa Western Cape Regional Secretary, 16 September 2015