It has been Six months (6) since the outbreak of the deadly
COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa which has effected
the lives of all the members and staff of the United National
Transport Union (UNTU) and their families and loved ones
severely.
To date, more than Ten thousand Six Hundred and
Twenty-one (10 621) South Africans lost their lives
and more than Five hundred and Sixty-three thousand Five
hundred and Ninety-eight (563 598) people have been
infected by the virus. Globally the virus affected more than
20 million people and killed more than Seven hundred and
Forty thousand (740 000) people.
UNTU’s members also paid the highest price with more than Fifty (50) employees of Transnet
and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) that had passed on due to the virus
to date.
“The leadership of UNTU would like to extend their sincerest condolences to the families,
loved ones, friends, and colleagues of each employee who has paid the ultimate price. May
their souls rest in peace. They will forever be remembered and continue to live in our hearts.
“The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our lives and fundamentally changed every aspect of it.
These turbulent times also brought us closer together than ever before as members in
solidarity inspired by ubuntu and as colleagues.
“Let us build on what we have achieved to date,” says Steve Harris, General Secretary of
UNTU.
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The various employers are faced with a gloomy financial forecast and an extremely difficult
task awaits UNTU leadership to protect the jobs and the best interest of each UNTU member.
“Let us not be derailed but continue to stand united and give meaning to our slogan: Pride,
Unity, and Trust. Phambili.”
UNTU leadership continues to pray for the safety of each member who has worked at the
forefront of this pandemic since the start of the nationwide lockdown on the
26th March 2020.
Esteemed greetings.
Steve Harris
General Secretary
UNTU SYMPATHIZES WITH ALL THOSE WHO LOST SOMEONE DUE TO COVID-19
