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Shock over death of trainee seafarer in South Africa
30 July 2010
The ITF and a South African affiliate have been horrified to learn that a trainee seafarer died at sea after she alleged that she had been raped.
Akhona Geveza was part of a group of over 130 young people, including 100 women, who had been participating in a maritime training programme supported by Transnet Port Authority (TNPA) and the South African Maritime Safety Agency (SAMSA). She reported that she had been raped by a senior officer.
The ship, Kariba, on which Akhona was undertaking her training was operated by Safmarine, a subsidiary of one of the world’s largest shipping companies, AP Moller-Maersk. The ship was registered in the UK.
Six different authorities and institutions are involved in the investigation into her death.
Zenzo Mahlangu, general secretary of the South African Transport and Allied Workers' Union (Satawu) said: “Satawu extends its heartfelt condolences to Akhona Geveza’s family, who have been devastated by the loss of their only child and only breadwinner. We will be doing everything we can to support the Geveza family.
“The training programme is one that Satawu has actively supported, both in TNPA and in SAMSA. One challenge has been to find ships on which to place the young cadets for practical training. To learn now that those who have been placed are being subjected to unspeakable abuse is tragic.
“The death of Akhona has surfaced many other cases of alleged sexual abuse of these young people – both men and women. The episode makes Satawu ashamed to be a part of the transport industry.”
Satawu will be seeking a high level meeting with Transnet to discuss measures that must be put in place to protect trainees from further abuse.
Alison McGarry, ITF women’s coordinator, stated: “The ITF is horrified by the death of Akhona Geveza. Across the globe ITF maritime unions are campaigning to ensure seafarers and trainees are treated with dignity and fairness.
”We support Satawu in their campaign to make maritime companies accountable for the health and safety of cadets.
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