WATCH | NUMSA calls for supervisor’s dismissal following use of K-word

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The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has called for the dismissal of a suspended supervisor who was caught on camera verbally abusing a member of the public.

In a video doing the rounds on social media, the supervisor identified as Petrus Du Preez can be heard calling him “kaffir”.

According to the union, they alerted Menzies management last week Monday to an incident where a supervisor of the company, used the racial slur in reference to a truck driver.

“Luckily the supervisor was caught on camera by a vigilant worker, and the entire video recording was even uploaded onto TikTok,” NUMSA general secretary Irvin Jim said.

He continued; “We also noted that in the video Du Preez is completely unrepentant and unapologetic for his revolting behaviour.

“We have been advised that he is currently undergoing a disciplinary hearing which is starting today, and this is all because of the intervention of NUMSA.

“The K-word is racially abusive and offensive and there can be no tolerance for an employee allowing such behaviour. The K-word violates the dignity of black people, and it is an attack on our personhood as black people.

“It is as offensive term used by racists and right-wingers and is similar to the racial slur, ‘nigger’ which is a hateful term used to describe African-Americans.”

Jim further said Du Preez was wearing a Menzies uniform whilst verbally abusing a member of the public and his actions reflect badly on Menzies as an organisation and its culture. 

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“We call on the management to take strong action against this supervisor because his behaviour demonstrates to us, that he has not been transformed and he is completely intolerant of Black people.

“Such a person has no place in the workplace and we hope that Menzies management, shares our view that racism must be stamped out and eradicated completely in the workplace,” he added. 

Jim revealed that they will be watching very closely to see how Menzies management, deals with this incident, and, what kind of sanction will be handed down.