Satawu president bows out of union

PRESIDENT of the SA Transport Workers Union (Satawu) Ephraim Mphahlele has bowed to internal pressure by resigning.

Mphahlele's resignation yesterday did not surprise many unionists. His departure was predicted in June after the suspension of his allies, Gauteng provincial chairman Liver Mngomezulu and his deputy Reuben Molefe.

Mngomezulu and Molefe were accused of entering into a contract on behalf of Satawu worth millions of rand with a financial services company without the approval of the national office bearers.

Mngomezulu and Molefe were summoned to appear before a disciplinary hearing in July, but their case could not proceed because of disruption. They then launched a breakaway union, the National Transport and Allied Workers Union, which Mphlahlele officially joined yesterday.

Mphahlele yesterday said there were a variety of factors that prompted his resignation.

"To this end, I have learnt with shock that some of Satawu national office bearers have been plotting to have the president [myself) assassinated," he claimed.

He said the plot to have him assassinated was hatched after he raised various irregularities relating to financial mismanagement.

He promised to prove claims of financial irregularities should Satawu commission an independent investigation.

Satawu spokesman Vincent Masoga said Mphahlele's resignation was welcomed.

"His resignation comes at a time that the union was going to convene its central executive committee meeting to decide on his conduct in bringing the union into disrepute."

"We are glad that with him out of the union, Satawu would be brought into stability and normality."

He said the union would recover its assets that Mphahlele had allegedly been abusing since he was elected into office.