The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) Hlanganani Region (North-West) calls on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to use tonight’s crucial league matches involving Soweto and Pretoria giants, namely Kaizer Chiefs vs. Sundowns, and Supersport United vs. Orlando Pirates, to allow soccer players and the South African soccer fans to mourn the 34 workers killed in Marikana, by observing a moment of silence before the kick-off, in line with President Jacob Zuma’s declaration of a week of national mourning.

Football in our country and in the rest of the African continent is renowned for being a comforter, healer, reconciliator and pillar of strength for our people during sombre and most difficult moments.

In moments like these, tonight’s matches can serve as a unifying tool.

We strongly believe that tonight’s matches provides an opportunity for the custodians of South African soccer, mainly workers to observe a moment of silent and mourning the perished 34 workers.

The PSL as a caring League should join the rest of the country and the world in celebrating the lives of the perished workers who are leading supporters and producers of South African football.

Furthermore, we call on the PSL to donate the gate-takings of tonight’s League matches to the families of the victims for purposes of dignified burials this coming weekend, amidst the economic burden faced by our communities as a result of the high cost of living in post-apartheid and today’s capitalist South Africa.

The PSL should draw a leaf from its predecessors, the NPSL and NSL, by using football as a strategic site of popular power for people’s power to rally society around their immediate and long-term strategic goals geared towards a better life for all.

If the PSL adheres to this request it will be a continuation of its rich and longstanding contribution, dating back to the days of the Charity Cup, of being an agent for change.

Contact:
Jerry Morulane, NUMSA Regional Secretary – 083 253 5216

Source

Numsa Press Releases