New migrants union in SA formed

Another migrant union to cater for people from migrants from across the world living in South Africa has been formed amid calls by officials for all the migrants in that country to join in.
This has been announced by the Zimbabwe Permits Assist association which called for all migrants to join the association called Migrant Workers Union of South Africa (MIWUSA).

Zimbabwe Permists Assist said realising the difficulties, the hardship, the vulnerability, exploitation and the demand of representation of migrant workers living in South Africa, Migrant Workers Union of South Africa, (MIWUSA) is formed.

"The birth of MIWUSA is through maturity, broader consultations and experience of ZIWUSA (Zimbabwean Workers Union in South Africa) that led to ZIWUSA expanding its scope to cater for all migrant workers in SA," said Zimbabwe Permits Assist.

"MIWUSA is a democratic workers union representing all those who expect to work and or working in South Africa in different industries. The vision of MIWUSA is to build a strong democratic and worker controlled organisation/movement led by migrant workers in south Africa to advance, protect and fight for all migrant workers' rights."

The organisation said MIWUSA having informally worked with COSATU in specific programmes without affiliation, closely and in partnership with progressive South African unions is prepared and committed to attempt to resolve all problems faced by migrant workers.

"From experience gained through ZIWUSA we are aware capable and skilled to solve most of your problems of:- No access to education,  Lack of documents and qualifications required (home affairs),  No proper channels for documentation of migrants," said the Zimbabwe Permits Assist.

" Application and outcome process of permits is slow, Migrants having no proper channels to report grievances and knowledge of who to approach because of fear of arrests, xenophobia and deportation, Lack of proper protection, Being victimized by the ones holding the rule of law e.g. police officers demanding passports, bribery, Border posts giving less days for visits, Unfair treatment at work, schools, hospitals etc, Denied access by service providers, Lack of representation to air their views and concerns as migrants, Exploited and oppressed by the employers and denied representation, Exploitation through labour broking + 3 months temp, Underpaid, no compliance to labour laws BCEA - unfair labour practices (benefits), Sick denied access to medical treatment (clinics and hospitals), Immigration Act – (ZSP-for Zimbabweans) change of status, business permit, incompetence of home affairs, corruption,  Xenophobia and Attorneys Act admission, Language barrier –Lack of interpreters in government departments and  Undocumented children and others."

Zimbabwe Permits Assist said, "NB. Join us to the National launch, election of National Office Bearers and formalisation of our relations with the relevant unions in South Africa. We are aware of opportunists and fly by nights in this field do not get trapped we have suffered a lot now. Make your voice , the time is now, come launch this giant."