On August 6, three shop stewards of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) were assassinated in their Durban home. Another NUMSA member was wounded and is still being treated. The three killed were:

– Njabulo Ndebele (Regional Branch Secretary)

– Sibonelo “John-John” Ntuli (Regional Branch Deputy Secretary)

– Ntobeko Maphumulo (Regional Branch Deputy Secretary)

We mourn the victims. According to NUMSA, the three who were killed were among the union’s best and most promising worker and trade union leaders in the province. NUMSA has called on members to remain calm, while also calling on the police to investigate the incident and bring the culprits to justice.

We understand that violence against trade union representatives and their members in South Africa has been getting worse. On August 16, 2012 a total of 44 striking mine workers were killed in the Marikana massacre, many shot from the back. Another 78 workers were injured. This is the most serious violence against workers since the end of white colonial rule in South Africa. On September 9 of the same year, a NUMSA South Coast Local Chairperson as well as an ANC local Chairperson were killed.

Hong Kong citizens today are also beginning to face violent attacks. In this city, violent attacks on reporters and media workers, and violent attacks against democratic activists, are gradually becoming the norm. Therefore we understand fully what our South Africa friends may feel in an event like this. We will work together to bring an end to this kind of violence. Above all, we will like to express the deepest condolences as well as our greatest respect to our fallen South African unionists and their families. We also hope that their families can be strong and live long enough to see social justice being done.

Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions

Union of Hong Kong Dockers

Hong Kong Domestic Workers General Union

Hong Kong Buildings Management and Security Workers General Union

Federation of Hong Kong Transport Worker Organizations

Cleaning Service Industry Workers Union

Neighborhood and Workers Service Centre (NWSC), Hong Kong

Globalization Monitor, Hong Kong

China Labour Net

National Alliance of Independent Trade Unions (NAFITU), Taiwan, along with its 27 affiliate unions

Individual:

Ho chun kit

August 15, 2014