The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) said one of its members in the Western Cape has died of coronavirus last week.
The employee, Mosonwabo Tshambu, according to a Numsa statement, issued by its Spokeswoman Phakamile Hlubi Majola, worked at the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA)’s Security department in Cape Town and had been in their employ since 2007.
“He unfortunately passed away as a result of coronavirus related complications on the 21st April 2020. On behalf of all Metalworkers we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Vuyokazi Tshambu and his three children,” the statement reads.
Numsa said the details were also confirmed by ACSA in a communique to its employees, and the union said the organization told them that those who worked with Tshambu were quarantined.
The statement also shows that ACSA sanitized its offices immediately after it was confirmed that its employee had tested positive for coronavirus.
The entire shift, according to the statement, was also put on isolation and they later tested negative for the virus.
Numsa said the passing away of its member highlights the risk that the working class was taking by returning to work during this COVID-19 pandemic.
The organizations will continue to work with management at ACSA to ensure that all employees are safe and that the workplace is properly sanitized at all times in order to prevent further infections.
Numsa said Tshambu will be buried this Saturday in eGcuwa in the Eastern Cape.
