The Economic Freedom Fighters [EFF] leader, Julius Malema, will on 30 August at 12 noon address workers who earn R4 500 and less per month, in recognition of their uncelebrated contribution to South Africa’s economy at Sankopano Community Centre.
The EFF’s Johanna Mapeko said the occasion was timed to coincide with celebrating Women’s Month, as women were the most low paid workers who struggle to maintain their families with meagre wages. “The event will highlight the hardships of domestic workers, street sweepers, cleaners and garden workers at businesses, factories, shopping malls, government offices and other public facilities,” Mapeko said.
“Despite their effort in keeping the country, streets, homes and businesses clean and shiny, their earnings don’t equate with their effort and hard work.”
She added that through their presence in homes, domestic workers also double as security guards, risking their lives in cases of house robberies. But instead of gratitude, they were often wrongfully accused of working with house robbers. “As a result, many of them struggle with trauma from the accusations, the daily risks they face and from the inadequate compensation for their effort.”
Her colleague, Godfrey Tomu, said the event will be attended by parliamentarians and said he hoped government officials would attend to hear these workers’ concerns which need to be considered for policy changes in the labour laws.
Tomu urged the workers to come dressed in their work uniforms and, where possible, come with the children they cared for as domestic workers and also to bring their employers.
Details: Godfrey Tomu 084 360 5817.
