COSATU displays power on day of action

On Friday, 7 October 2022, members of the SACP and COSATU braved the sweltering heat to partake in the national strike and day of action. An organized and paceful march proceeded through the streets of Ermelo, towards Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), where a memorandum was handed over and signed. However, upon arrival at MLM, the crowd did not have any inclination of entertaining the mayor, Cllr Nkosi’s speech. Instead she was booed and did not present a statement. The group expressed their solidarity with workers and residents suffering under the current leadership and economic climate. The group expressed concern over employers who fail to adhere to labour laws and the stipulated remuneration increases and unnecessary retrenchments. Furthermore, the firm directive to fight corruption, nepotism, load shedding, load reduction, gender based violence, gender pay gaps, and to assert the Collective Bargaining Agreements. The also lamented the slow implementation of law enforcement and prosecution of criminals. Lastly, lifestyle audits of officials are demanded, and that politically exposed be banned from doing business with the state. Many other issues have also been raised, to which the recipients of the memorandum has 14 days to reply to. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo.