FEDUSA MEDIA STATEMENT ON HAMMANSKRAAL WATER CRISIS AND CHOLERA OUTBREAK

23 May 2023

The Federation of Unions of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) calls on the government to urgently address the water quality crisis in Hammanskraal, North of Pretoria following the deaths of 15 people and the hospitalisation of dozens of others. The national, provincial and municipal government entities responsible for the safe supply of water to this area must hang its head in shame for continuously failing to address the crisis which has been common knowledge to all South Africans for over a decade. In 2019, the SA Human Rights Commission declared that water in the area was unfit for human consumption, with politicians in tow making several undertakings to address the calamity.

However, as we have now come to learn, very little positive outcomes emanate from such commitments. Now, the residents of Hammanskraal must pay the ultimate human price and are dying as a result of a government which is not bothered by the distress of its citizens. We will in coming days hear similar reassurances, which we have little faith will come to fruition. We call on civil society organisations to explore legal recourse to compel the Tshwane Municipality to fix the collapsed water infrastructure system in the area. Albeit that this is not the ideal solution to every crisis we face as a nation, evidence has proven that the government is unwilling to function outside of litigious processes at great cost communities and organisations.

The crisis in Hammanskraal is also a demonstration of a failing state. That in 2023, South Africa is experiencing a Cholera outbreak is a fact that must sent shivers down the spines of all South Africans about the government’s incapability and unwillingness to prioritise its mandate.

Last year, the SA Institute of Civil Engineering, the country’s industry body for civil engineering professionals again raised the alarm in its Infrastructure report card. It found that less than half of water supply systems, at 48% were in the low-risk category, that 18% were in the medium risk category, 11% in high risk and a whopping 23% were found to be in the critical risk category.

This means what is happening in Hammanskraal could easily take place in any other community which fails to meet the acceptable water quality standard. “The fact that 34% of systems are in the high and critical risk categories is of great concern,” read the report. These findings were published publicly for all to see. This included the government principals and officials responsible for the provision of clean drinking water in line with the country’s constitutional requirements. Yet, it was still not a crisis enough for communities such as Hammanskraal to be afforded urgent intervention.

The report also showed that one third of all water supply systems have no mechanism to sound the alarm when there is life-threatening microbiological contamination in the drinking water. The government can spare us its remorse performances and immediately address the crisis if it cares about the health of South Africans.

FEDUSA sends heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have unnecessarily lost their lives due to the failures of leaders in government and wishes the sick, a speedy recovery.

 

For media enquiries

Betty Moleya

063 736 5533

 

For interviews please contact:

 

Ms Riefdah Ajam

FEDUSA General Secretary

079 696 2625

 

Mr Ashley Benjamin

FEDUSA Deputy General Secretary

083 258 4433

 

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FEDUSA MOURNS THE PASSING OF DENNIS GEORGE

17 May 2023

 

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) lowers its flag as we mourn the passing of the organisation’s former general secretary, Dennis George. George was 65 years old at the time of his passing and leaves behind a legacy of commitment to workers’ rights throughout his career in the labour movement in South Africa and beyond. George was a marketing consultant at Sanlam when he was recruited by the Transport and Allied Trade Union to work as an organiser. He was later appointed General Secretary of FEDUSA in 1998 after serving in other roles in the federation.

George’s passion for education was witnessed in how he selflessly dedicated himself while working as National Training Officer at FEDUSA. We later witnessed this passion when he continued with studies to complete a Masters degree and later a PhD. His tenure as General Secretary of FEDUSA for over 20 years was categorised by many victories for workers which manifested in the growth of the federation.

He also represented the organisation with excellence when serving nationally in platforms such as the National Economic Development and Labour Council, the National Skills Authority, the National Board for Further Education and Training among others. Globally, George was actively engaged in committees at the International Labour Organisation, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the International Trade Union Confederation, among others.

FEDUSA remembers George as a committed leader of the working class, who was a great champion of worker unity, starting with collaboration between the country’s different labour formations. He was full of life till the very end, always with a smile on his face as he travelled to every corner of the country in service of affiliates and members alike. During his tenure as general secretary of FEDUSA, he was always eager to form working relationships with business, government, other unions and the media fraternity.

A dedicated activist at heart, he had always called for all major stakeholders to increase their participation in schemes aimed at addressing national, company and shop-floor level issues for the sake of the country’s economic growth. His goal had always been to promote the interest and rights of works while enhancing social justice and the country’s economic prosperity. George was a truly patriotic South African. Throughout his years at the helm of the federation, he never expressed doubt about the country’s future. He was always positive and forward looking, believing that there is nothing that can stand in the way of the good intentions of the many who work hard for the country’s prosperity.

FEDUSA honours George for his dedication to the growth of the South African organised labour movement. We will honour his memory by forever remaining true to the core of the work of unions, which is to serve members with distinction.

 

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For media enquiries

Betty Moleya

063 736 5533

 

For interviews please contact:

 

Ms Riefdah Ajam

FEDUSA General Secretary

079 696 2625

 

Mr Ashley Benjamin

FEDUSA Deputy General Secretary

083 258 4433

 

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WORKERS’ DAY 2023

30 May 2023

As South Africans and workers across the world mark International Workers’ Day, the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) commemorates this important day in the lives of workers with a heavy heart. Despite the painstaking efforts of workers in the various sectors where we organise, society continues to suffer many challenges which have befallen this beautiful nation as a result of incompetent political leaders and private industry captains. We celebrate the efforts of workers against a tragic backdrop of collapsing municipalities, shrinking wages, a weakening economy and the heightening of the triple crises that is unemployment, poverty and inequality.

Crime has also negatively affected the quality-of-life South Africans are entitled to enjoy as per the prescripts in the country’s constitution. Meanwhile, more and more workers and people, in general, are suffering from mental health illnesses due to these factors and many others, forcing us as a caring labour federation to take a step back and reflect on Safety and Wellness as Fundamental Rights in Workplaces.

Albeit the Occupational Health and Safety Act guarantees workers many protections, we have realised that many employers continue to exploit workers, putting their lives and health at risk as many are incapable of speaking up in fear of compromising their job security. However, even with this reality, FEDUSA wants to encourage workers to make use of the anonymous tip-off lines at the Employment and Labour Department to report employers who are incompliant with the OHS Act. The tragedy here is that while many are silent as they are exposed to hazardous materials and collapsing buildings in their places of work, they equally fall victim to these inhumane conditions that they should not be subjected to in the first place.

The government itself has been exposed for being among the leading contraveners of the OHS Act and other regulations set to guarantee the safety of workers. We have found it even more alarming that despite the recorded and well-researched data on the rise of mental health illnesses in the country and globally, more so after the Covid-19 pandemic, employers still turn a blind eye to this crisis. Many have resorted to paying lip service to this crisis instead of addressing the root cause, which mostly emanates from the very toxic workspaces employees are subjected to. Employers and managers continue to fail to distinguish between incapacity, poor performance, misconduct and disability in people suffering from depression among other mental health issues. Instead of addressing the illness and offering workers the necessary support, many resort to unfair dismissals, further clogging the overstretched CCMA and Labour Court system.

Just last year, the World Health Organisation and the International Labour Organisation called for concrete action to address mental health concerns in the working population globally. This was on the back of research which indicated that an estimated 12 billion workdays are lost annually due to depression and anxiety, costing the global economy almost One Trillion US Dollars. The evidence is clear that the cost of not paying attention to health, safety and wellness in workplaces has far-reaching consequences on not only the lives of workers but also our economy and the overall well-being of South Africans in general. FEDUSA agrees with the World Health Organisation’s guidelines on mental health at work which recommended several actions including addressing heavy workloads, negative behaviours and other factors that create distress at work. What is needed is comprehensive training of bosses and managers across the board on how to create healthy working environments.

The level of staff turnover in key industries in South Africa, including in the media sector is indicative of a crisis that ought to be tackled. Many workers choose to walk away from work they are passionate about in the interest of their health. As we commemorate Workers’ Day this year, FEDUSA calls on employers to introspect and change their ways.

It is also shameful that nearly 30 years into the country’s economy, workers continue to face deadly working conditions.

The fact that the country’s mining sector still must account yearly for fatalities in their operations speaks volumes about how little has changed. That teachers in rural settings, along with learners still must risk their health and lives using pit latrines is an abomination. The fact that the Employment and Labour Department’s inspectors still declare buildings “death traps” in the public and private sectors also speaks volumes about the commitment of employers to the wellness of workers.

FEDUSA and its affiliates commit to continuing its work aimed at advocating for the rights of workers regarding occupational health, safety and wellness. These are not just suggestions but fundamental rights in workplaces. We call on workers to find their voice and not allow fear to turn them mute in the face of this injustice because failure to act threatens their well-being. May South African workers and society at large use this year’s Worker’s Day commemorations to reflect on these injustices to revolt against it!

We wish all workers a peaceful and reflective May Day!

 

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For media enquiries

Betty Moleya

063 736 5533

 

For interviews please contact:

 

Ms Riefdah Ajam

FEDUSA General Secretary

079 696 2625

Mr Ashley Benjamin

FEDUSA Deputy General Secretary

083 258 4433

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FEDUSA MEDIA STATEMENT ON EASTER 2023

 

06 April 2023

 

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) wishes Christians in South Africans a safe, joyful, and peaceful period as they prepare to observe Good Friday and Easter over the weekend. The country takes great pride in religious freedom as a pivotal feature of its diverse nation. We hope that non-Christians will join in the festivities over the weekend as the symbolism of the holidays transverses the religious divide but has become a time for goodwill and intentional sharing of joy among families and communities.

Fedusa also urges South Africans who will be travelling over this period to exercise patience on the roads. The Easter long weekend has also unfortunately become synonymous with high rates of road fatalities. We believe that if every motorist took to the wheel with the conscious understanding that they are responsible not only for their lives but those of fellow motorists too, we would see a decline in these figures.

We acknowledge the plans the government has laid out to ensure that those travelling home and to different holiday and pilgrimage destinations arrive safely. However, this requires the cooperation of the public and respect for the rule of law. We have the utmost trust in the public servants who will be working across the many highways and other roads to maintain law and order. We also wish them well as they carry out their duties in line with their commitment to serve the people of this nation to the best of their abilities.

May this long weekend be filled with joy and peace for all.

 

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For media enquiries

Betty Moleya

063 736 5533

 

For interviews please contact:

 

Ms Riefdah Ajam

FEDUSA General Secretary

079 696 2625

Mr Ashley Benjamin

FEDUSA Deputy General Secretary

083 258 4433

 

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FEDUSA Agitated with SARB Repo Rate Increase

30 March 2023

 

 

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) is deeply disappointed at yet another repo rate hike by the Monetary Policy Committee of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) after it decided to raise increase the repurchase rate by 50 basis points to 7.75% per year, with effect from the 31 of March 2023.

 

FEDUSA expectation on the hike was 25 basis points and not 50 after the last hefty hike. The food price inflation is now expected to be 9.9% in 2023 (up from 7.3%) and 4.5% in 2024 (up from 4.4%). FEDUSA believes that hiking the interest rates is a burden on over-indebted South Africans.

 

The hikes are a big slap in the face of millions of workers, consumers and businesses trying to survive the high cost of living. The complete erosion of disposable income is totally disheartening and only adds insult to injury to both workers, businesses, and the poor, who continually battle daily to make ends meet.

 

FEDUSA would like to remind the Reserve Bank and the government that the increase of the interest rates does not mean that salaries or social grants of millions of South Africans will also increase. It should be a reminder that the unemployed are also affected by the hikes and they will be more vulnerable.

 

FEDUSA is also extremely concerned about the impact of the interest rate hikes on the sustainability of jobs, debt, and survival of Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME’s). The hikes will only worsen the sad situation of many South Africans.

 

FEDUSA therefore calls for urgent intervention by the government into solving the country’s economic problems and provide South Africans with a sigh of relief.

 

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For media enquiries

Betty Moleya

063 736 5533

 

For interviews please contact:

 

Ms Riefdah Ajam

FEDUSA General Secretary

079 696 2625

Mr Ashley Benjamin

FEDUSA Deputy General Secretary

083 258 4433

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The high level of violent crime, unemployment and inequality undermines Human Rights

20 March 2023

 

As the nation marks yet another Human Rights Day, the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) joins all South Africans in commemorating and honouring the country’s heroes who were killed and some wounded on 21 March 1960 in Sharpeville and Langa among other areas. While some time has passed since then, the wounds of apartheid remain raw, making it even more critical to take stock of the rights provisioned for in the constitution which is the bedrock of our democracy.

FEDUSA implores the nation on this Human Rights Day to reflect and work towards addressing the high levels of violent crime, poverty, unemployment, and high levels of inequality that still affect the majority of South Africans. Our high crime rate has been attributed to social stress from unconducive environments in early childhood, poverty, wealth disparity and problems with the delivery of public services.

As a country, we also need to fight the high levels of alcohol abuse and which plays a huge contributing factor in many violent crimes including murder, gender-based assaults and rape. In most cases, these incidents regularly occur in or directly outside bars, taverns, or nightclubs due to the abuse of alcohol. We will recall that on 26 June 2022, horrific scenes were published in the media which showed 21 young children who had died at Enyobeni tavern in East London. We must ask ourselves as a nation why children under the age of 18 were consuming alcohol in the tavern at that time of the night.

We are also concerned that despite South Africa’s Constitution being the first in the world to prohibit unfair discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, the LGBTQI+ community still find themselves in a crisis of having their human rights continuously violated. People living with disabilities, women, and children are also some of the vulnerable groups in South Africa that have to fight for their survival and basic human rights.

FEDUSA also encourages South Africans to reflect on the gender pay gap, which is a form of discrimination against women. South Africa still has a long way to go in correcting the injustice and violation of human rights of hardworking women who are robbed of what is due to them in favour of men as various reports have repeatedly proven. Equally, attention must be paid to the infringements of the rights of people living with disabilities who are still facing difficulties in accessing transport, building and work opportunities.

Therefore, FEDUSA calls on the government to enforce the constitution and to hold accountable the companies, organisations, and individuals responsible for violating the rights of others.

Human Rights Day is an important day that urges all South Africans to remember the sacrifices and struggles paid for the attainment of democracy and the protection of human rights in the country. As South Africans, we must address all challenges that still divide us in terms of race and social class by engaging honestly and openly with each other. These discussions can be initiated in our family structures, social circles, faith-based organizations and in our community forums.

As a nation, we must stop any individuals who are planning to destroy our centres of learning, state institutions, health, and social facilities during community protests. We must stand up together with determination and work towards creating a safe South Africa that is non-racist, non-sexist and that reflects the principles and values of our Constitution and Bill of Rights. Let us continue to fight against the exploitation of workers by advocating for greater transparency, and fair pay and for laws against exploitation to be enforced.

 

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For media enquiries

Betty Moleya

063 736 5533

 

For interviews please contact:

 

Ms Riefdah Ajam

FEDUSA General Secretary

079 696 2625

Mr Ashley Benjamin

FEDUSA Deputy General Secretary

083 258 4433

 

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FEDUSA MEDIA STATEMENT ON NATIONAL SHUTDOWN

FEDUSA MEDIA STATEMENT ON NATIONAL SHUTDOWN

17 March 2023

 

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) wants to place it on record that it has not been mandated by its members to take part in the protests planned for Monday, the 20th of March, across the country and will therefore not take part in the action.

While the federation is cognisant of the various challenges South Africans are faced with, including the continued rolling power cuts (load-shedding), we have sought to be part of the collective leadership of the country working towards solutions to these multiple crises.

FEDUSA respects the rights of those who will be taking part in the action and encourages peaceful demonstrations. We also want to remind those who will partake in the strikes, given that it is now covered under Section 77, to be cognisant of the fact that all rights must be exercised responsibly for the greater good of all.

We have noted the assurances by the government’s JCPS cluster that Monday will be a normal business day in the Republic. We trust that the measures put in place to safeguard lives and livelihoods will be sufficient should the protests take a turn for the worst.

Furthermore, the federation wishes those who have made plans to take leave from work on the 20th, taking advantage of the Human Rights Day holiday on the 21st, a good break. May we all use the holiday to reflect on the strides made in realising the many rights we enjoy, while reflecting on the realities of the vulnerable groups who are yet to live freely in South Africa despite their rights being enshrined in the Constitution.

 

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For media enquiries

Betty Moleya

063 736 5533

 

For interviews please contact:

 

Ms Riefdah Ajam

FEDUSA General Secretary

079 696 2625

Mr Ashley Benjamin

FEDUSA Deputy General Secretary

083 258 4433

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UPDATE ON PUBLIC SECTOR WAGE NEGOTIATIONS FROM FEDUSA-AFFILIATED TRADE UNIONS

14 March 2023

Trade Unions affiliated with the Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) are happy to report back to members and the public that there have been significant strides made in the wage negotiations underway for the period 2023/2024. Earlier today (14/03/2023), the employer tabled a revised offer of an average 7% to organised labour which comprises the majority of unions in the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC), despite the absence of those who elected to boycott the process.

 

Fedusa unions were clear at the onset of these negotiations that its members would not tolerate nor accept a wage increase which will not help offset the impact of the spiralling cost of living. The fact that the employer is near the inflation benchmark in the proposal that has been tabled has given us renewed faith in the power of collective bargaining.

 

These negotiations have continued while public servants suffered the ire of their communities as other unions elected to take part in detrimental industrial action over historical issues. While Fedusa affiliates in the sector acknowledge that the issues that led to the strike are critical, it would have been ideal that labour collaborates in its efforts to secure workers reasonable wage increases in council, the only place we believe negotiations can successfully be held.

 

Organised labour negotiators have been hard at work, pressing ahead with the members’ mandate of a 10 percent wage increase, among other demands. While further details of where the government stands on housing and medical aid among others will be shared in due course, labour has also in the spirit of peaceful and fruitful negotiations, made a compromise.

 

As such, unions in the chamber moved from the initial 10 percent demand to 8 percent, bringing the parties closer to one another. Fedusa’s posture has always been that our approach to the negotiations is in good faith, understanding that it’s a give-and-take process.

Labour’s initial demands included a single-year term agreement and an increase of R2500 monthly housing allowance. As matters stand, the employer has proposed a three-year term with CPI plus 0,5% in year 2 and CPI only in year 3.

 

Labour has rejected the proposed term of the agreement, however, placed it on record that workers are amenable to a 2-year term with the second-year increase set at CPI plus 1,5%.

Organised labour in the council expects that a follow-up meeting will be held soon, with the expectation that the employer will revert to the response tabled by unions.

 

We foresee that the negotiations will conclude before the end of the month, bringing hard-working public service employees much relief, instead of the norm where talks drag on for months while they suffer the consequences of shrinking salaries. In fact, we may witness a record turn-around time in public sector wage negotiations.

 

Fedusa affiliates: NAPTOSA, PSA, HOSPERSA, SAOU along with Cosatu-affiliated SADTU attended the council meeting today, constituting the majority of parties in the PSCBC, at 53,9%.

 

We also note that the minority group that chose to boycott the wage negotiations since the onset of the process attempted to sneak back into the chamber today to present their demands. We deem this as the highest level of disrespect for the very workers they represent who remained on the streets and on picket lines on the premise that the solution to their frustrations would emanate from the strike. We are also aware that they have sought political interventions while promising workers that their toil, which pitted them against the very communities they serve would yield fruit.

 

While the PSCBC is a democratic space where all recognised parties can engage in peaceful negotiations, presenting fresh demands at this stage of negotiations, as we near the end of the sensitive talks could undo all the gains the majority unions have secured for workers thus far. This is the reason parties agree on a timeline that would be followed as negotiations take place. It is to avoid a situation where the efforts of the majority are thwarted by a minority that chose to protest instead of coming to the negotiation table.

 

Fedusa-affiliated public service unions want to assure its members in all departments and government agencies represented at the PSCBC that it is their interests that remain at the heart of all the steps negotiators have taken and will take. That it is their mandates that pave the way forward for how these negotiations will eventually conclude.

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FEDUSA Supports the Right to Strike but Condemns Acts of Violence That Endangers the Public

09 March 2023

The Leadership of the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) has noted with major concern and dismay the number of violent attacks that have happened since the start of industrial action on 06 March 2023, albeit being interdicted by Government.

#FEDUSA recognizes that the sanctity of collective bargaining must be safeguarded within the framework of Labour Relations Act, (LRAS), but under no circumstances must industrial action be accompanied by nor associated with intimidation, violence, and the risk to livelihoods, as has been seen in recent media reports.

Whilst #FEDUSA Public Sector Unions participated in peaceful protests and strike action during November and December 2022, updated mandates from members, directed the #FEDUSA Unions to refocus their attention on the current negotiations. Henceforth, none of the #FEDUSA public sector unions are participating in the current process which is being marred by unnecessary and unwanted attention that only serves to discredit the entire public service membership.

#FEDUSA has received numerous reports from members being intimidated, prevented from working, and even assaulted. These deliberate attacks of violence on fellow members and now the public at large, alongside attempts to destabilise service delivery aligned to essential services such as healthcare is strongly objected by #FEDUSA. It is a fact that once anyone is denied access to healthcare, property is destroyed, or patients or employees are physically harmed, they are partaking in criminal activities and not on strike.

#FEDUSA demands that the Minister of Police take full control and ensure that all healthcare facilities in South Africa are safeguarded so that desperate South Africans in need of emergency healthcare, can access the facilities without being subjected to any form of violence or risk losing their lives. Essential Services Personnel affiliated to public sector unions fully understand their role and responsibility in society, as documented in the Labour Relations Act (LRA), which prevents them from striking. Who will then take responsibility when loss of lives occurs due to irresponsible actions? Accountability and the full might of the law must prevail.

#FEDUSA affiliates respect the law and the concept of essential services and will not willingly deny anyone their right to healthcare services. Not in our Name!

#FEDUSA Public Sector Unions and other unions in the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) that constitute the majority in the Chamber, are not participating in the strike and appeal for calm in the interest of the South African Public to safeguard lives and livelihood.

However, #FEDUSA also notes that the employer has failed its employees and ultimately the public, the vast majority of whom have no option but to utilize public health facilities that are no longer safe, clean, and often dysfunctional. This action is affecting the majority of South Africans who rely on public healthcare facilities, and #FEDUSA affiliates will not advance or support any actions that erode human rights.

 

#FEDUSACares #PublicSector #IndustrialAction

Please note: All interviews should be directed to the Deputy Secretary General Ashley Benjamin, 083 258 4433 or dgs@fedusa.org.za

 

For Media Enquiries

Betty Moleya

061 396 1841

communications@fedusa.org.za

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FEDUSA BUDGET EXPECTATIONS 2023

 

21 February 2023

 

As the Federation of Unions of South Africa reflects on the upcoming tabling of the national budget by the finance minister this week, the resolution of the dire economic crisis being faced by South Africans is of utmost priority.

 

  • COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS

The poor and workers are being strangled by surging costs of necessities, including food. The situation is untenable. We have heard the government openly note that indeed the crisis has worsened post the Covid-19 pandemic years. However, there has been no real effort to cushion struggling South Africans who can barely afford electricity with prices increasing consistently while evidence shows us that salaries are shrinking and have been for years. By March 2022, the real average South African salary fell below the R15 000 mark, an annual fall of -5,6%.

 

  • PUBLIC SERVICE WORKERS

Among those workers affected, are public servants who have just entered the 2023 wage negotiations process with the hope that the government will raise salaries significantly. This sector has not had protection from the inflationary spiral since 2020, with workers receiving less than CPI adjustments, with little movement on their pensionable earnings. We appeal to the finance minister to keep in line with the outcomes of the Public Sector summit last year that spelt out the need for Treasury to await the wage negotiations process before a set amount is placed. Whatever remains of the already budgeted R45 billion over the three-year MTEF period will not suffice to cover real increases. Fedusa affiliates in the public sector have demonstrated good faith by returning to negotiations despite a strike threat by other unions because our members are committed to making South Africa work effectively again.

 

  • POST OFFICE AND TELKOM

Close to 8 000 workers at the Post Office and Telkom are facing job losses in a labour market climate that has seen workers struggle to re-enter once retrenched. The challenges that have brought the Post Office to its knees are known to the government and national treasury, yet South Africans have watched as this once critical institution dwindles to near death, robbing millions of people access to mail in a country with low internet access that drives inequality.  The finance minister must engage his colleagues in government to utilise the funds in the Employment and Labour department’s job creation and job preservation schemes to save these jobs. The National Development plan places great weight on the government’s ability to ensure decent work is maintained and that human and workers’ rights are respected. We want to see government walk the talk, by saving these 6000 jobs at the Post Office and the at risk 1 770 jobs at Telkom as it claims restructuring.

 

  • FUEL LEVIES

We also want to remind the national treasury of Fedusa’s campaign requesting the government to intervene in the runaway fuel prices. We note the efforts made by the government last year to cushion motorists as the Russia-Ukraine war exacerbated the costs. We call on the finance minister to announce once again that there will be no increases to the fuel price levy. This suspension will grant workers, commuters, and small businesses some breathing room.

 

Fuel levies place a burden on already strained commuters, who are subjected to use taxis and other modes of transport. FEDUSA therefore calls on the government to prioritise the rehabilitation of railway infrastructure, to be able to provide commuters with affordable mode of transport.

 

  • BASIC INCOME GRANT

Fedusa also appeals to the national treasury to take the necessary steps to make the R350 Social Relief of Distress grant permanent, while scaling it up. In the Medium-term Budget Policy Statement last year, the minister extended the grant to March 2024. Then he planted the seed of the introduction of a new permanent social grant that would have to be accompanied by significant growth in income, a significant reduction in spending, or both. We hope that as the Minister returns to parliament for the budget speech, this matter will take priority once more, with clear set timelines for the implementation of relief to poor South Africans. We cannot wait forever on the government to assess the various modalities it has said it is exploring over the years. The crisis is now and is harming the prospects of children who are stunted due to poor diet because of poverty, while some South Africans, including the working poor, are forced to go to bed on empty stomachs. We equally remain committed to the call for a universal basic income as an urgent need, as the SRD grant demonstrates.

 

  • CRIME

Fedusa is concerned about the renewed surge in attacks on armoured trucks that transports money between retailers and banks in the country. The cash-in-transit heists as they are referred to are peaking once more, with

 

incidents reported weekly. We are concerned about the lives of our members who get killed and injured during these attacks. There is also the economic impact it carries. Cash is no doubt an important component of the South African economy. The CIT industry’s failure to safely distribute cash across the country could bring our struggling economy to its feet. There is also the threat that crime levels in general pose to our economic growth, with investors open about their reluctance to bring international capital to a country viewed as largely violent even beyond our borders.

 

  • JUST TRANSITION

President Cyril Ramaphosa told the people of this country during his recent state of the nation address that the government is continuing with its just transition to a low carbon economy with one of the key goals being the opening of new investments and industries that can create new jobs. We look forward to hearing more about this from the finance minister to fully understand how the R1,5 trillion just energy transition investment plan will work. The Just Transition project is an initiative of the country’s social partners including Fedusa and other organised labour. Its success is fully reliant on transparency. Fedusa calls on the national treasury to invest some of the funds on an institution or just transition centre that will enable continuity and openness sothat it is indeed inclusive and has no negative impact on job security.

Fedusa also looks forward to the finance minister’s explanation of how the country’s infrastructure will be revived. Finer details about the infrastructure projects worth R232 billion that are under construction is also expected.

South Africans need to have their hope revived; we hope the budget speech will give us a clear roadmap of how the country will make its way out of the prolonged period of suffering.

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