By: Natasha Archary
The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has set 24 August as the tentative date for a #NationalShutdown.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg on Thursday, SAFTU Secretary General, Zwelinzima Vavi said the situation in South Africa is disastrous.
The shutdown is heightened by the worsening cost of living, collapse of small businesses due to loadshedding, interest rates, petrol increases and job losses.
One of the demands is for Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter to immediately resign, along with his Board. The second if for the entire ANC cabinet to step aside.
“The rising costs of living are rendering the minimum wage inadequate. The costs of household food basket is R4 688. This excludes the costs of other household and personal hygiene products, electricity, transport, and other social services in the context of the declining quality of public services.
SAFTU reiterates the demand of a Basic Income Grant (BIG) of R1500, that is R150 above the upper-bound poverty line. We believe that the BIG will in turn have positive multiplier effects in the economy by boosting demand and productions. Whilst relieving poverty among the unemployed.”
While 24 August is the tentative date set for the #NationalShutdown, SAFTU says the date will not be imposed on members or other allied formations.
The trade union federation will communicate more details in due course.
There you go… Sikhathele yiEskom!#NationalShutDown
— SAFTU (@SAFTU_media) July 7, 2022
Tentative date 24 August 2022@Zwelinzima1 @IrvinJimSA @DetawuM @Numsa_Media @wearesapu @fawu_media @FloydShivambu pic.twitter.com/6XHghDJOAs
Also read: Wits students chant ‘Pravin must go!’ at lecture



