Vavi vows to 'sue' Gauteng government
South African Federation of Trade Union (SAFTU) general-secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi says the federation will take legal action against the Gauteng government over the Bank of Lisbon building fire.
Vavi was speaking at Elis Park Arena on Wednesday, during the memorial service for the three Johannesburg firefighters who died during efforts to extinguish the blaze.
Simphiwe Moropane (28), Mduduzi Ndlovu (40) and Kathutshelo Muedi (37) were remembered as heroes who were dedicated to their work.
Vavi described as shocking, the fact that only 21% of the building complied with the necessary health and safety regulations.
While the cause of the fire is still unknown, the firefighters are said to have suffered from lack of oxygen and a lack of water pressure. .
“We have taken a decision, we are going after you comrades. These are not chickens, these are not animals that have died. These are human beings, breadwinners, fathers, uncles, and sons and we will not allow them to die in vain, we are going to sue you.”
“What makes us angry is that this building has been reported over and over and over again by the workers who worked in that building. Nobody cared. In 2013 there was another incident, in 2015 there was another incident,” Vavi said.
He said government has lost touch with the basic needs of ordinary South Africans.