IT’S all systems go for the national shutdown organised by the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) on Wednesday, 24 August.
During a media briefing held in Joburg on Monday, 22 August, Saftu general- secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi, said they have unanimously decided on a national strike.
This is aimed at defending and advancing the socio-economic interests of workers.
He said a second National Working Class Summit was convened on 5 August to discuss the proposal. and the tentative date earmarked by the Saftu National Executive Council.
He said over 200 working class formations, pro-worker non-governmental organisations and social movements endorsed Saftu’s call for the shutdown.
“Countless left-leaning political parties have also endorsed the call for a national shutdown, including the Economic Freedom Fighters, the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, the Azanian People’s Organisation and the Workers and Socialist Party,” he said.
Vavi said the decision to hold a national shutdown comes as a result of the worsening socio-economic conditions of the working class and poor communities.
He said the cost of living is rising.
“Corruption and neoliberal policies of the ANC have compromised the provision of public services.
“Unemployment has soared. The government is also accelerating the offensive on public corporations in the form of commercialisation, outsourcing and privatisation.
“We are calling for a general strike, a stay-away and a national shutdown of all workers and for those in areas where we will be organising marches, to join us,” Vavi said.
He encouraged the unemployed and ordinary South Africans to join in.
ordinary people in this country should join hands.
“We call all other workers irrespective of a different logo to unite in actions in all provinces where our locations coincide with their locations. We call on black women and the youth to join us,” he said.
