The Citizen reports that Willie the koala bear, whose parents were a gift to Nelson Mandela, has died at the National Zoological Gardens (NZG) in Pretoria in what some people claim is the result of the protracted strike at the sanctuary.  

Zoo spokesperson Craig Allenby confirmed on Tuesday that Willie had died on Saturday, but said they believed his death could have been caused by a chronic liver condition.  Staff at the zoo, apparently including the conservationist in charge of the koala, are affiliated to the National Trade Union Congress and have been on strike for more than a month.  Union organiser Vusi Msiza alleged Willie would not have died if the conservationist had not been on strike, adding management would rather sacrifice the lives of animals than meet the workers’ demands, which include equal pay for all employees doing the same job, as well as improved working conditions.  He claimed the conservationist “was the only person who was taking care of the koalas at the zoo and Willie died because the person who takes care of him is on strike”.  But, the sanctuary denied that the strike was responsible for Willie’s death, saying he was old and that not every worker was on strike.

• Read the full original of Sipho Mabena’s report on the above at The Citizen

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