The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) stands in unwavering solidarity with the victims and families affected by the 2017-2018 listeriosis outbreak, which claimed the lives of over 200 people and left more than 1,000 seriously ill. It has been over six years since this tragedy unfolded, yet Tiger Brands has continuously shirked its responsibility, leaving victims without the justice they deserve.
In December 2018, the High Court certified a class action against Tiger Brands following the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) findings. The investigation revealed that the source of the listeriosis outbreak was the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meat products, specifically polony, produced at Tiger Brands’ Enterprise facility in Polokwane. The NICD’s inspection exposed the facility’s poor condition, highlighting severe risks for cross-contamination.
The victims of this outbreak include many of the most vulnerable in our society—low to middle-income Black communities, including hundreds of children who contracted listeriosis in utero and who now face lifelong health complications. Despite unequivocal evidence linking the outbreak to their factory, Tiger Brands has yet to accept accountability or compensate those whose lives were irrevocably altered by their negligence.
Victims continue to endure severe illness and financial hardships, and the affected children suffer ongoing health problems and developmental challenges such as hydrocephalus – the build-up of fluid on the brain – and cerebral palsy. Tiger Brands and its insurers—SHA Risk Specialists (owned by Santam) and QBE Insurance Group—have continually delayed the resolution of this matter. Their stalling tactics are not only a failure of justice but a cruel exploitation of vulnerable families, many of whom have lost their homes and the means to support themselves.
SAFTU’s Demands Are Clear:
1. Immediate Accountability: Tiger Brands must issue a public apology, accept liability, and provide immediate relief to affected families who continue to suffer without access to medical care and financial support.
2. Swift and Fair Compensation: The families impacted by this tragedy cannot afford further delays. We call on Tiger Brands to expedite the compensation process, ensuring victims receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.
3. Insurers’ Responsibility: SHA and QBE must cease leveraging delays for their financial benefit. We call on Tiger Brand to put people’s lives ahead of its narrow profit motives. We demand that settlement agreements be reached and compensation delivered before 2024.
A Statement issued on behalf of SAFTU by the General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi, Endorsed by The Listeriosis Families Support Campaign
