Union leaders back community activist’s bid to avoid deportation

TRADE union leaders in Waterford city have called on the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell to reverse a decision to deport a South African woman involved in the promotion of cultural diversity and racism awareness in the city.

At a public meeting yesterday the Waterford Council of Trade Union (WCTU) called for special consideration “on the basis of merit” for 30-year-old Weziwe Olubuunor, who has been living in Waterford for four years.

The South African woman’s application for humanitarian leave to remain in Ireland has been rejected. She was informed this week that she must report to the National Immigration Bureau on January 27 to arrange her deportation.