29 May 2015
Wits University’s Vice Chancellor (VC), Adam Habib, released a document titled “Opening the conversation: Accelerating transformation for an inclusive and competitive Wits”. The document sought to outline his views on transformation at the university, what areas need transforming and how this could be done. In the document he argues for the need to make Wits a more “inclusive” space where “every one of us must feel that we own the corridors of Wits University.” Transformation needs to address important issues such as a racism, racial exclusion and marginalization at the university.
It is in the spirit of engaging the document and ideals for the university that we write this statement. As we sit, we are currently engaged in a sit-in at the VC’s office. This is because the livelihoods of 22 black workers and their families are at stake. Some of the workers have already left; there are now about 10 who are still fighting for their livelihoods. This matter is one that arises out of outsourcing.
Workers employed by the company MJL electrical have been engaged in an ongoing dispute with their employer. They have not been paid wages for many months; this is something the university is aware of and has been engaging with workers on. The workers have lost their jobs through no fault of their own but through the mismanagement and violation of labour laws by their company. Like outsourcing, this is one of the problems that arise when workers work for people who are on the University vendor list. Workers are exploited by their bosses.
We propose that this matter be the first attempt by the university to intervene in ways that align with its vision on transformation and the long term goal to end outsourcing as outlined by the VC. We therefore propose that the university intervene in a way that would result in workers being employed by those currently listed on the universities vendor list. The University has agreed to approach companies.
We have decided to end an effective 3 day sit-in of the VC’s office in the interest of moving forward and negotiate the best possible outcome. We appeal to the university to not take criminal or disciplinary action against the students and workers who occupied the 11th floor.
An injury to one is an injury to all!
Worker and student occupiers
