COMSA Executive Committee Statement on the Dismissal of Fazel Khan

COMSA Executive Committee Statement on the Dismissal of Fazel Khan

To all COMSA members

Comrades,

Comrade Fazel Khan, the Acting President of COMSA was dismissed last week after a DC that lasted 7 months. After careful consideration of the evidence that was led we strongly believe that the final decision of the DC is biased, vindictive and fundamentally incorrect. We are certain that Fazel will win his case in the CCMA.

We view his dismissal as a direct attack not only on Fazel as a person, but on COMSA as a trade union and our brave, honest and hard working role in building a humane, caring and people centred university. The fact that there is an attack on our trade union is clearly proven by the millions squandered for the witch-hunt of the Gautchi Commission and the other instances that are well known to all of us.

Fazel spoke to journalists and told them what he saw as the truth. For this he was crucified.

COMSA has fought gallantly throughout the years for a humane, excellent university which is democratic, accountable and cares for the poor.

Through our struggles we have won good working conditions for permanent staff and fought gallantly for contract staff, almost all of them Blacks and Black Africans. We have also fought for academic freedom and freedom of expression. Since January 2004 we have asked serious questions about the merger and the management of the university. We have sent memoranda to the Department of Education and to Parliamentary Committees. We have marched to the Council. Yet are demands remain unfulfilled. For this our leadership is now suspended and fired. We ask for how long?

IT IS NOT OUR LEADERSHIP THAT BRINGS THE UNIVERSITY INTO DISREPUTE BUT THE MANAGEMENT. The whole country knows about this. IDEAS AND STRUGGLES CANNOT BE CRUSHED OR BANNED, NO ONE CAN INTIMIDATE US.

We are ready and prepared to defend our right to freedom of expression, our human rights and our dignity as a union and as profound staff members at UKZN because this is our university.

Our struggle for transformation is a long and painful process, and together with all other stakeholders WE WILL WIN.

WE STAND BY FAZEL BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT HE WON HIS CASE. HE IS INNOCENT.

The Executive Committee of the Combined Staff Association (COMSA)