The Citizen reports that trade union Solidarity has sent the government a list of more than 120 “competent and willing” South African engineers who can replace the 24 Cuban engineers imported to help repair the country’s ailing water infrastructure.
On Thursday, Minister Lindiwe Sisulu welcomed the Cubans, claiming their presence would ultimately lead to better living conditions South Africans. According to Solidarity, however, its list of local engineers encompassed more expertise at a lower cost than importing Cuban engineers. Solidarity CEO Dirk Hermann said the list contained some of the country’s most experienced and knowledgeable specialists in engineering, some who have masters and doctoral degrees, and others who have up to 42 years of experience. “Our list contains specialists in several fields of engineering and project management, but should the minister require other expertise we can find those skills with the help of our Engineering Guild,” he stated. Solidarity argued it was unjustified to import foreign workers in the midst of an unemployment crisis. “If the minister was truly unable to find local workers who wanted to do the work, then she did not search very hard. Thus, we will bring the engineers to her,” Hermann indicated.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Reitumetse Makwea at The Citizen
- Read Solidarity’s press statement in regard to this matter at Solidarity News
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page