Telkom in Hitler parody video

·10 Jul 2014

Trade union, Solidarity, has created a parody of Telkom on its YouTube channel in which it attacks the firm’s retrenchment policy using a widely-used “Hitler reacts” meme.

The video is entitled: The tragedy of the 2014 Racekom (Telkom) retrenchments, and is taken from a scene in the film, Downfall, depicting Adolf Hitler’s last days in a Berlin bunker.

“You all told me the racial lay-offs would not be apposed,” Solidarity has ‘Hitler’ saying in the video.

“Sir, you said Racekom…I think you meant Telkom,” one of the officers corrects ‘Hitler’ further on in the sketch.

The video forms part of the 2014 Racekom campaign launched by the union, in which it accuses Telkom of carrying out large-scale retrenchments where race is used as a criterion.

Solidarity launched a website called Racekom.co.za, claiming: “If you work at Telkom, and you are white, you are guilty! Guilty, because you’re the wrong race and you’re costing the company BEE points.”

“Forget about the years of loyal service, your qualifications and the positive contribution you make,” it said.

Solidarity said it has already lodged documents with the Labour Court to put a stop to Telkom’s race-based retrenchments.

Telkom said in a statement on Tuesday, 8 July 2014 that it rejects allegations that race is being considered as the only criteria for the placement of employees in Telkom’s new structure.

“The fact is that Telkom’s focus is on retaining the right skills for its turnaround strategy and will consider several criteria throughout its restructuring process,” Telkom said.

Employment equity is one of the four criteria applied to the restructuring, Telkom said, adding that just like any South African company it is required to comply with the Employment Equity Act.