MINIMUM WAGE PROTEST
Workers erred in backing billionaire president, says Vavi
It was a mistake for workers to have voted for a billionaire to become the country’s president, says South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi. Vavi lashed out at rival federation Cosatu‚ which supported Cyril Ramaphosa during the ANC elective conference in December 2017. “Where did you hear it in the world that workers put a multibillionaire as president? The first thing he did when he took office was to raise VAT [value-added tax],” he said. Vavi was speaking during Wednesday’s march against the minimum wage and proposed changes to the country’s labour laws. Standing outside the Gauteng department of health offices in Johannesburg‚ Vavi read from a billboard quoting the Freedom Charter outside the ANC’s Luthuli House headquarters. Reading “the people shall govern”‚ he asked “where?”. Community health workers submitted a memorandum of demands at the department. Among those participating in the march was Thabang Mohlala, who said the R20 an h...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.