An investigation into accusations of racism levelled against a supervisor at a Gautrain construction site in Midrand is under way, the Bombela Concession Company said on Wednesday.
According to reports, workers downed tools on Monday after a worker, who had fallen ill, was allegedly assaulted and called a ”kaffir” and a ”drug-pusher” by his supervisor.
Bombela spokesperson Kelebogile Machaka confirmed the strike. She said the supervisor was suspended pending the outcome of an ”independent investigation”.
”Bombela management has suspended the person against whom the allegations have been levelled and will conduct an independent investigation into all allegations and grievances.
”Following negotiations with the striking employees and labour union representatives, an agreement has been reached and workers have resumed work,” she said.
Machaka said ”racism or any other form of disciplinary infringement” would not be tolerated on the project, on which 26 different nationalities worked side-by-side.
The National Education, Health and Allied Worker’s Union (Nehawu) on Wednesday challenged the police to ”take the lead” in the fight against racism by making sure that employers and supervisors who assaulted and abused their employees were brought to justice. — Sapa