Media Statement

This morning we convened a meeting to address the challenges that have polarized relations between the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal and the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) and to put the matter to bed. These challenges arose as a result of remarks attributed to the Provincial Secretary, Cde Mtolo directed at NEHAWU.

The meeting was graced by the General Secretary of COSATU, Cde Solly Phetoe, the President of NEHAWU, Cde Mike Shingange, supported by a number of NEHAWU office bearers and the ANC Provincial Secretary, Cde Mtolo.

The meeting was cordial, robust and honest in the articulation of the impact of Cde Mtolo’s remarks on members of NEHAWU. In our robust engagements on matters of mutual interest, we agreed that members of the Alliance and by extension their affiliates, are independent organisation that are well within their rights in expressing dissenting views on the policy positions and decisions of the ANC.

However, the Alliance partners have always differed on a variety of issues and we have always managed to engage on issues by ensuring that the space for political engagements remains open. There is no reason that we cannot address the current challenges in a similar manner.

The meeting appreciated that Cde Mtolo’s remarks were unfortunate and the platform chosen to air such views fuelled the tensions, rather than a constructive political engagement between members of the Alliance.

We therefore resolved that Cde Mtolo will issue an unconditional apology to NEHAWU and retract the unfortunate remarks he made in writing.

Similarly, NEHAWU will withdraw the court challenge against the ANC and the Provincial Secretary in this regard.

Going forward, we have agreed to conduct a joint programme in KwaZulu-Natal with COSATU and NEHAWU to engage with the workers on the ground and clear the air on matters that have polarised relations as a result.