MEDIA STATEMENT
It is with deep sadness that the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality (“SPLM”) announces the passing on of a colleague from the electrical department, Enrico Jose Convivious who succumbed to injuries stemming from severe burn wounds. An explosion occurred whilst he and three colleagues were on-call at the Hercules Street Substation in Herlear on Monday morning at about 09h00. The three colleagues are out of danger but are still hospitalised.
According to the Municipality it is still early to establish the exact circumstances as the Municipal Manager, Thapelo Matla has to be furnished with a report. “We cannot predict the outcome of the investigation and promote prejudgments. The Department of Labour and Employment will comment on the matter” said Matlala.
Matlala addressed union representatives from the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), an amicable decision was reached that no employee would carry out duties without the required PPE. It was also agreed to urgently purchase additional new PPE, the recommended materials will be of utmost importance. Therefore, work continues whilst all grievances are being attended to.
As part of the agreement the union endorsed the Municipal Manager’s resolve to also discuss the report into the death of the late Faiek Adams, which occurred a month earlier to him having assumed duties. The future engagements will also be aimed at assessing what the report contained and if any recommendations for pre-emptive safety measures have been followed ever since.
Executive Mayor Cllr Kagisho Sonyoni accompanied by councillors, visited the three injured colleagues in hospital yesterday after a council meeting and will also be visiting the bereaved family.
The municipality, as a caring employer, has already interacted with the bereaved family to discuss support and the standard procedures that are applicable under the circumstances at hand.
Enrico Jose Convivious joined the electrical department since 2016. He died on Tuesday, 14 May. More information will be communicated in due course.
Comments are closed.