NUMSA: PRASA CEO’s dismissal is ‘a victory for workers’

Workers’ union NUMSA is close to popping champagne over the axing of PRASA CEO Zolani Matthews. NUMSA says it welcomes his dismissal, just a day after the rail agency announced his sacking.

PRASA had placed Matthews on suspension for failing to disclose the fact that he holds British citizenship. At the time, the rail agency said the news came as a shock and that after going through a declaration form signed by Matthews back in May, it was evident that he deliberately concealed this fact.

NUMSA ‘vindicated’ by Zolani Matthews’ axing

NUMSA now says it feels vindicated by the entity’s decision to send Zolani Matthews packing. The union was not happy with how he handled an ongoing wage battle at Autopax, a subsidiary of PRASA, which provides bus services.

“We have been vindicated. We have always felt that Mr. Matthews was not the right person for this job because he refused to work with labour to find a permanent solution to the crisis facing workers at Autopax. He treated employees with total disdain and he did not make any effort to address the crisis of rampant mismanagement at Autopax,” said NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola.

Hlubi-Majola says since Matthews’ suspension in October, workers were paid their outstanding October salaries last week, and the November salaries as well as bonuses will be paid by next week.

“David Mphelo who is the CIO has been appointed to act in his absence. Mr. Mphelo has demonstrated a willingness to find solutions, hence the progress which has been made thus far on the issue of salaries,” she added.

According to PRASA, the search for Matthews’ replacement will begin soon.