Cosatu denies any shutdown planned for Lowveld: Security plans in place nevertheless
Despite the protest being planned for eMalahleni, it is feared it could branch out to other regions, and the Lowveld Security JOC will remain on high alert.
Cosatu’s provincial secretary, Thabo Mokoena, dismissed allegations on social media that Mbombela roads would be closed from 03:00 on Wednesday August 24 during a planned national shutdown.
He said only one protest action is planned for Mpumalanga, which will proceed from eMalahleni’s Boardwalk to Eskom Park, where a memorandum of grievances will be handed over by various members of Cosatu affiliates.
ALSO READ: Leopard attacks employee in Sabi Sand
“We strongly condemn the fake news circulating on social media that our protest will be violent and all the streets will be closed. There are roads that will be affected during the protest, but it will not be violent. We are expecting all non-essential workers to join the protest and no essential workers. The strike is protected under Section 77 of the Labour Relations Act,” he said.
Cosatu said the protesters will be striking against the rising cost of living and petrol prices, increasing interest rates, job losses,Load-shedding and the high unemployment rate.
ALSO READ: Man buries family after car accident that occurred in Ngondwana
A Lowveld Security Joint Operation Command (JOC) member, Frank Swanepoel, said they are preparing for any eventuality in the Lowveld and safety plans will be activated at 03:00. “We advise residents to start planning not to go to work, to work from home and not to take children to school. Do not take risks travelling to or from town. If you have to travel, please be vigilant and turn around at any sign of trouble when it’s safe to do so,” he said.
JOC said it would be on high alert during the protest.
Lowvelder will be in constant contact with the security command to update its readers.
