The Food and Allied Workers’ Union (Fawu) on Thursday announced its withdrawal from the Sector Education and Training Authority of Secondary Agriculture (Setasa).
Fawu spokesperson Dominique Swartz said the move stemmed from several irregularities and ”racist behaviour” from certain individuals on the board of Setasa.
The board comprises representatives from Fawu, the SA Food and Allied Trade Union, Solidarity and business.
Swartz said the unions had appealed to Setasa to engage in discussions over their concerns, but nobody from business had came forward.
”It has come to our attention that no less than eight members representing business in the board are implicated in fraudulent activities,” she said.
”It has also been confirmed that a case is currently under investigation but no details can be made available as the case is considered sub judice.”
Setasa was not immediately available for comment on Thursday evening.
Swartz said another point of contention was the appointment of the Setasa chief executive officer.
”A decision relating to the appointment of the CEO, and made by the board was undermined and changed in favour of a candidate who members from business wanted to be appointed.
”Interestingly, the candidate already sits on the board.”
Swartz said a committee was formed to handle interviews for the CEO position and to further make suggestions for possible candidate. The committee recommended two people, one of them a black person.
However, some committee members apparently communicated to other members that the black candidate would not be considered at all.
Fawu called for the formation of a new committee to look into the appointment of a CEO.
”We are also pleading with Labour Minister Membathisi Mdadlana to intervene as a matter of urgency to address these issues.” – Sapa