Johannesburg – More than 100 employees of Makro Woodmead found themselves jobless after being dismissed following an incident involving members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who stormed the store and forcefully removed workers, customers, and outsourced staff.
On March 4, 2023, around 10:00 AM, a group of EFF members wielding golf clubs, sticks, and chains descended upon the store, locking the main gate and entrance while allegedly threatening workers with stones. Employees were reportedly coerced into singing along with EFF members as the situation escalated.
Despite the presence of security personnel, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), and the South African Police Service (SAPS), no action was taken to stop the incident. Senior managers who were allegedly manhandled failed to intervene in defense of their staff.
Three days later, on March 7, Makro brought in heavily armed security guards and prevented certain employees who had worked that weekend from re-entering the store. By May 5, those affected received an SMS informing them of their dismissal.
The workers, represented by SACCAWU, took the matter to the Labour Court under case number JS516/23. However, with another mass dismissal case involving 452 Makro employees from various branches, including Germiston, Strubens, Carnival, and Crown Mines, the legal battle continues to drag on with no resolution in sight.
Story by Thulani Ndaba
