A range of gripes in Cosatu notes

COSATU handed over several memorandums as the union marched to different destinations in the CBD on Worker’s Day complaining about a range of issues.

First stop on their march from the Castle of Good Hope was the Cape Chamber of Commerce it blamed for opposing “transformation in our society”. Cosatu handed over a memorandum to the Cape Chamber of Commerce, “which records our deep concern on your negative role in the transformation of South Africa”.

“As the Cape Chamber of Commerce you’ve always opposed the transformation of our society,” Cosatu’s Western Cape provincial secretary Tony Ehrenreich read from the memorandum.

Ehrenreich added that the Chamber of Commerce has opposed the minimum wage and supported the deregulation of the market and taking the rights of workers away.

Accepting the memorandum on behalf of the Chamber was Sid Peimer, who said that the Chamber would review the memorandum.

Cosatu then made its way down to Wale Street to the Western Cape Provincial Legislature, where there was a strong police presence. Cosatu handed over a memorandum demanding the removal of Premier Helen Zille “for her controversial tweets on colonialism. We say to Zille that you have always opposed the transformation of our society that will undo the apartheid legacy”, Ehrenreich said.

He also welcomed DA supporters who participated in the march.

Ehrenreich made scathing remarks about Zille saying, “Zille wants to ensure the wealth is kept in the hands of those who stole the wealth.” Accepting the memorandum on behalf of the provincial legislature was a police officer who was on duty.

The march then concluded at Parliament where Cosatu reiterated their call for Zuma to resign.

Cosatu also publicly announced that they will be fully endorsing deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa in the 2019 national elections.

Cosatu also handed over a memorandum at Parliament regarding soldiers who approached the federation to highlight their poor working conditions. A police officer at the precinct accepted the memorandum.

Ehrenreich also expressed disappointment when handing over to police officers and not officials, “this is unacceptable. This is not a joke,” he said.

PICTURE: COURTNEY AFRICA MAY DAY: Nehawu and Cosatu marched to the provincial legislature offices then to Parliament in Cape Town as part of their May Day event.