Community shuts down store over workers’ dismissal

image: Supplied

by Kelebogile Matlou

A young Hammanskraal man called Gontse has angered the public by claiming that Railway Furnishers wrongfully fired him not long after he began his new employment on August 12. Since he published the news of his termination on Facebook, the neighborhood has come together to demand justice and even to shut down the business in solidarity.

According to Gontse, he was warmly welcomed by his colleagues and quickly felt like part of a family at the furniture store. However, he claims that after a colleague returned from leave, false allegations were made against him, accusing him of involvement in a murder case and inappropriate relations with a manager. He says these allegations were untrue, but despite his attempts to explain, he was dismissed without being given a fair hearing.

In response to his message, the community came together in support of him and demanded that the employer take responsibility. His narrative has been widely shared on social media, where Hammanskraal locals have vowed to stick together until justice is done. 

Valentine Mathabo, an activist, said on Facebook that the area and branch managers verified that Gontse was given a surprise dismissal letter in the morning, but no formal minutes, verbal or written warning, or disciplinary hearing. “An employee cannot be fired on the basis of rumors. “This young man was not even given a fair hearing to tell his side of the story, which is even worse,” Mathabo wrote.

Alu Author Ndou and other community leaders echoed the call for solidarity and urged locals to boycott the business. “He is the one now, but any of you may be the one tomorrow. Let’s support him till justice is done,” Ndou wrote. 

Since then, the corporation and community leaders have met at the Hammanskraal Police Station. However, despite ongoing conversations, emotions are still high. In addition, local activist Mash wa di Drags posted on social media that the Hammanskraal Railway Furnishers store would be closed till further notice, advising both the public and employees to stay at home.

The community promises to keep up the pressure until Gontse is restored or a just settlement is found, and the issue now lies with the company’s management.