The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) confirms that it has received a letter from the law firm AH Stander & Agenbag Inc., acting on behalf of Mafoko Security Patrols (Pty) Ltd, demanding that SAFTU retract its statement of 31 October 2025 titled “SAFTU condemns Mafoko Security for robbing workers of their provident fund demands immediate enforcement and criminal action’’.
SAFTU is currently consulting its lawyers and will respond formally through the appropriate legal channels. However, the federation wishes to make it clear to all workers and the public that we will not be intimidated, silenced, or muzzled for speaking out against injustice and exploitation.
Our statement was based on official findings and determinations by the Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (PFA) and court rulings confirming that Mafoko Security Patrols failed to pay over provident fund contributions deducted from workers’ wages. These are matters of public record and are of enormous consequence to thousands of security guards whose hard-earned savings have been withheld.
SAFTU stands on solid legal, moral and constitutional ground.
We have a duty to expose and condemn wage theft, non-compliance with labour laws, and the systemic exploitation of workers. The Constitution guarantees our freedom of expression and our right to defend the interests of the working class.
Attempts by powerful employers to threaten or intimidate worker organisations through “cease and desist” letters or defamation claims are nothing more than efforts to silence public scrutiny and shield corporate wrongdoing. These tactics will not succeed.
We reiterate:
- SAFTU will not retract its statement
- We stand with the affected workers
- We call on the Department of Employment and Labour, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority, and the Private Security Sector Provident Fund to ensure full compliance and recovery of all unpaid contributions.
- We urge the public to reject corporate impunity and support workers demanding justice.
SAFTU will issue a comprehensive update once our legal team has finalised its formal response. Until then we reaffirm our unwavering commitment, an injury to one worker is an injury to all.
A Statement was issued on behalf of SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi
For media inquiries, contact the National Spokesperson at
Newton Masuku at:
Newton@saftu.org.za
0661682157
Media Officer
Asive Dyani
0719019564
