In light of the current economic stagnation, poor governance, and falling living standards of workers, members of The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and members of various affiliated unions are preparing to march through the centre of Johannesburg. This would cause havoc in the heart of the metropolis. Daily commuters are advised to use caution as the demonstration, set to begin at 10 am at Cosatu House in Braamfontein, is likely to cause delays in traffic.
The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa), the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu), and the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) are just some of the affiliated unions that support the Cosatu-organized march.
The unproven possibility of traffic closures in the heart of Johannesburg by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) may cause daily drivers anxiety. Protesters will begin at Cosatu House and proceed to the Department of Labour before ending their route at the premier’s office in Newtown, Johannesburg, as stated by Amos Monyela, provincial chairperson of Cosatu in Gauteng. This is where their protest will reach its climax.
We are starting in Braam in the morning,” Monyela confirmed, confirming the route of the march. We will next proceed to the Newtown office of the Premier before continuing on to the Department of Labour. This data was shared during a conversation. However, he conceded that he did not know for sure which streets would be included in the route of the march.
The immediate demands of Cosatu, which centre on economic reforms and job opportunities, are what provoked this protest. Cosatu has proposed increasing the size of the Presidential Employment Stimulus from its current 500 thousand participants to one million by October and two million by February 2024. The maximum number of people who might join would be raised to accommodate this goal. In addition, they want the government to fill all vacant positions in the financed public service and sector by December 31st, 2024, and to enact two pension reforms by March 1st of that year. Cosatu is adamant that it would go ahead with the demonstration, which will highlight that it is a safe strike. Workers who plan to strike are protected by a Section 77 strike certificate issued by the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac).
The next protests will bring to light the ongoing discontentment felt by South Africa’s workforce. The major issue at hand concerns the potential social and economic consequences should the state give in to Cosatu’s demands. At a time when drivers throughout the country are preparing for a brief delay, this has happened. A wide range of interested parties will be keeping a close eye on these developments because of their potential influence on South Africa’s economy and workers’ rights.
About The Author
Sizwe Mikhwenya is a seasoned journalist specialising in business, environment, and current affairs. With a decade-long career reporting on the pulse of South Africa, Lethabo’s work has been featured in some of the country’s most respected publications, earning recognition for her insightful, comprehensive reporting.
