‘Cuts will affect the people’

Organised labour understandably balked at suggestions of culling public servants.

Patrick Craven, spokesperson for the South African Federation of Trade Unions, said the union “totally rejects the argument that civil servants need to be reduced”.

He, instead, argues for the opposite, saying the main reason for the recession is the fact that too many South Africans are unable to afford the bare essentials, which has led to a stagnating economy.

“Cutting the number of civil servants would increase the number of unemployed and struggling, and simply reduce the number of people capable of affording the basic essentials. It would also worsen the conditions for those who are dependent on institutions which serve the public and employ these servants, such as schools, hospitals and municipalities.”

Craven acknowledged that there may be some areas where unnecessary jobs exist, but said these people must be redeployed.

Craven criticised economists for failing to recognise the role of corruption, saying tax evasion, money laundering and more all contributed to the state of affairs.

He believes both private and public institutions need to focus on long-term financial health and ensuring jobs and stability.