Dear brothers and sisters, EPSU sends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Petros Msiza. Comrade Msiza was a peaceful, well-respected and experienced shop steward. Having heard of the terrible circumstances leading to the death of Petros Msiza on 3 March, the European Federation of Public Services Unions (EPSU), representing 8 million public service workers in Europe shares the outrage of trade unionists across the world.
ESPU joins SAMWU in condemning this despicable act and in calling for a judicial inquiry charged with assessing evidence of the police violence, including the use of policing methods that provoke and injure workers instead of maintaining the peace. We also sympathise with our brothers and sisters having been unfairly dismissed. We are dismayed at the reprisals against workers who have taken a courageous stand against corruption in municipalities across South Africa, particularly where the privatisation of public services is being promoted at the expense of citizens and workers.
The violence and intimidation being directed at PSI affiliated members is unacceptable. We call on government authorities to address the issues that are being exposed, stop corruption, and end punitive responses against SAMWU members who are calling for justice. Here in Europe we are also mobilising against cuts in the public sector, so we can identify with some of the challenges you are facing.
In solidarity,
Carola Fischbach-Pyttel, General Secretary
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