The Congress of South African Trade Unions welcomes the decision by The Trauma Centre in Cape Town to terminate its relations with the global security company G4S over its role in the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and allegations of G4S torture at the Mangaung Correctional facility in Bloemfontein, South Africa, the second largest private prison in the world.
Dozens of activists took to the streets in Brussels on June 26 2013, to inform people in the area around the European institutions about G4S’ complicity in the occupation of the Palestinian territories (Photo: Al Ittihad)
According to Bongani Masuku from COSATU International Relations Secretary: “Although initially claiming that it intends to terminate its Israeli contracts, G4S still operates in the occupied Palestinian territories. G4S also provides equipment and services to Israeli checkpoints and Israel’s illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian West Bank.” The United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in his 2012 report singled-out G4S for its illegal activities in Israel. Due to this Israeli involvement, in 2012, Palestinian prisoners and prisoner support organizations called for an international boycott of G4S.
COSATU also notes the progressive decision by the Trauma Centre to use this as an opportunity to bring part of its security in-house, instead of completely outsourcing the service. “This pro-worker position should be commended and sets a precedent for other businesses, companies, universities and indeed our own government. Security, and other services, should not be outsourced!” Masuku said.
Related:
