Sun City 'racists' to go

Johannesburg - Officials who participated in racist activities and harassment at Sun City would be dismissed and face criminal charges, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Cosatu and the resort stated on Thursday.

"The MOU states that two officials would be suspended and one dismissed, and that they would also face criminal charges," said Congress of SA Trade Union (Cosatu) North West secretary Solly Phetoe.

The document was signed at a midday meeting between Sun International management and union representatives.

"The MOU also says that a full investigation would be carried out on the security company, and that Cosatu would embark on legal action against them."

The trade union federation had complained that a Falcon Security staffer played a racially offensive CD at a staff function and that 24/7 security staffers strip-searched employees accused of theft.

On Wednesday. Sun International management acknowledged that some Sun City employees had not been treated with the respect to which they were entitled and said strong action would be taken against those responsible.

On Thursday morning, an estimated 1 000 protesters converged outside the resort demanding the dismissal of certain senior managers, an employee and the termination of services of the resort's two security companies.

The picketers said they would not leave until an agreement had been reached.

By 14:30, Phetoe said although the understanding had been signed, people were still demonstrating but he expected them to disperse shortly.

It was also agreed at the meeting that no disciplinary steps would be taken against those who participated in Thursday's picket.

In a statement, Sun City said operations at the casino resort continued as normal throughout the day. Thursday was the first day of the Nedbank Golf Challenge being held at the resort.

The company had obtained an interdict preventing protesting at the main gate which resulted in workers picketing on roads leading to the resort.

The interdict also prohibited violence and the disruption of traffic flow both inside and outside the resort.

Police spokesperson Lesego Metsi said no violence had been reported although SABC Radio reported a confrontation between workers and police.

The union also denied this.

- Sapa