…By Enitan Thompson for TDPel Media.
A tragic incident occurred in the Mogalakwena Municipality in Limpopo, where a worker lost their life due to electrocution.
The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) is demanding accountability from the municipality regarding the circumstances surrounding the worker’s death.
SAMWU Expresses Disapproval of Mogalakwena Municipality:
According to reports from SABC News, Patrick Aphane, SAMWU’s Limpopo Secretary, stated that the employee’s death could have been prevented if they had been provided with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
However, the Mogalakwena Municipality denies that the absence of PPE was the cause of the fatal incident.
Alleged Lack of PPE for Workers:
Aphane revealed that workers in waste management, fire and rescue, and electricity departments have been operating without proper PPE for a period of eight months.
He emphasized that if the worker had been equipped with appropriate protective gear, the electrocution incident would not have occurred.
The provincial secretary reiterated that the employees have still not received the necessary protective clothing.
Municipality’s Response and External Investigation:
Malesela Selokela, the municipal spokesperson, refuted SAMWU’s allegations and stated that an external investigator has been appointed to investigate the matter.
The municipality distances itself from the claims made by SAMWU and aims to address the concerns raised through the independent investigation.
Conclusion:
The electrocution of a worker in the Mogalakwena Municipality has raised serious concerns and prompted accusations from SAMWU regarding the municipality’s lack of providing proper PPE.
SAMWU insists that if the worker had been supplied with the necessary protective equipment, the tragedy could have been prevented.
On the other hand, the municipality denies these allegations and has appointed an external investigator to assess the situation.
The incident highlights the importance of ensuring worker safety and the need for transparent investigations into such accidents.