Unions to march against graft, GBV

COSATU and the SA Federation of Trade Unions ( Saftu) have vowed to bring the country to a standstill through protest marches and pickets against state capture, corruption and gender- based violence today.

The federations are to embark on joint protests in several towns across the country to also express their disgust at the government for failing to implement long- awaited salary increases for public servants.

Yesterday, Cosatu spokesperson Sizwe Pamla said his federation would march to government buildings, premiers’ offices and police stations.

Earlier Cosatu general- secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali encouraged the workforce in the public and private sectors to join their strike action to fight malfeasance.

“We need to take a stand and push back against this flagrant theft of taxpayers’ money and the disgraceful abandonment of the working class by policymakers and decision- makers,” he said ahead of the protest action.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Saftu general- secretary Zwelinzima Vavi on Monday.

Yesterday, Cosatu said its main protest action would be in Pretoria, with a motorcade to the National Treasury office to hand over a memorandum.

The protesters would then hand over a memorandum to the Employment and Labour Department. According to the agreed activities, only 60 cars are permitted and each car is allowed to carry three passengers.

In Kwazulu- Natal, the main picket will be at the SAPS headquarters in Durban. The protesters are expected to gather at Currie’s Fountain Stadium before beginning their march.

Other regions would march to their respective municipal and district council offices.

Similar protests would be held at premiers’ offices in other provinces.