National shutdown march confirmed for Polokwane
Cosatu, Saftu and other organisations will participate in a national day of action over a rise in cost of living, fuel and electricity, among other issues.
POLOKWANE – Workers affiliated to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) will on Wednesday (August 24) join forces for a shutdown march in Polokwane.
#COSATU Limpopo declares its readiness to embark on a national shutdown against socio-economic crisis in our country. The federation has called for a national strike following socio-economic challenges:
Ongoing loadshedding
Fuel prices hikes
Escalating food prices @eNCA pic.twitter.com/LtI6EHJuQc— @COSATU Today (@_cosatu) August 22, 2022
Cosatu and Saftu will be joined by Operation Dudula, the Azanian People’s Organisation Limpopo (Azapo), the South African Council of Churches (SACC) and the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) and the Seshego-Polokwane Taxi Association in a march they allege will ‘cease most normal operations’.
“Azapo will march alongside anyone willing to fight the government into bettering the lives of South Africans,” Azapo Limpopo spokesperson, Delta Mphahlele said.
Saftu Limpopo spokesperson Phala Phalatsela confirmed to the Polokwane Review that members will meet at the SABC Park from early morning and march to Office of Premier at 10:00.
“We will be marching against overwhelming electricity, food and fuel prices as well as the cost of living.”
According to Phalatsela, the national shutdown will take place in the form of marches and night-vigils across all nine provinces.
The provincial chairperson of the PAC, Dr Pitso Mphasha said a memorandum of demands will be handed over to the Premier of Limpopo.
“We advise the people of Polokwane to postpone any engagements scheduled for August 24 and join the march. We cannot fold our arms amid the petrol price increase that is affecting our lives. We do not fear the current neo-colonial government,” he said.
Saftu’s national spokesperson Trevor Shaku said demands include a reduction in unemployment, a basic income grant of R1 500 per person, a decreased interest rate and others.
Meanwhile, Polokwane municipality spokesperson Thipa Selala said an application for a march had been received but had not been approved as yet.
“A meeting will be hosted with all stakeholders to discuss logistics including security measures so a decision can be reached,” he said.
