The COSATU (Congress of South African Trade Unions) national strike/stay-away kicked off in Ladysmith this morning (October 7), with the uMnambithi local branch gathering at the Kandahar Avenue sports complex.
The main objective of the march, according to COSATU, was to raise awareness about ‘socio-economic issues that have further deepened the crisis of inequality, poverty and unemployment’ in South Africa.
The union has also criticized government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic funds.
“Cases of gender-based violence (GBV) are being reported on a daily basis. We have police officers who are supposed to protect women and children, but they are failing, as a person will be arrested today and then he will be parading the streets again tomorrow.
“South Africa has become a banana republic.
“We stand firmly against workers being abused in their workplaces; we want that to come to an end.
“All ANC officials who are involved in corruption, we want to see you in orange overalls in Westville prison, as we say no to corruption,” said COSATU central executive committee member Mr Vilina Membinkosi.
Also read: Ladysmith KZN: COSATU set to march through town
The march ended at the Ladysmith Town Hall, where Mr Membinkosi handed over a memorandum to ANC Chief Whip Cllr Njapha.
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