LISTEN | Saftu demands R1,500 for 12.4-million jobless South Africans

Economy must be overhauled for citizens to afford basic needs, says Zwelinzima Vavi ahead of planned national shutdown on Wednesday

August 22, 2022 at 04:46 pm

Bulelani Nonyukela

Audio producer

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa has indicated it will appeal against a judgment dismissing its bid to stop BMW from proceeding with disciplinary proceedings against 500 workers. File photo. (KABELO MOFOKENG)

As trade unions plan to shut down the country on Wednesday, South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi says one of their demands is an increase of the R350 grant for the unemployed to R1,500.

Listen:

Lowering of prices, stepping aside of leaders of Eskom and the ANC, and land distribution are some of the key demands.

Vavi said the shutdown is a start of the total emancipation of the working class from poverty, inequality and oppression. “We’re not aiming at just having a one-day strike.”

He echoed former president Thabo Mbeki and EFF leader Julius Malema’s warnings of a “civil war” if living conditions of South Africans did not improve and their issues were ignored.

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