Cosatu president hails national shutdown as a success, despite poor turnout

Cosatu President, Zingiswa Losi, says despite the poor turnout at the labour federation’s national shutdown yesterday, demonstrations were a success.

She says for true socio-economic progress to take place in the country, workers issues must be treated as societal matters.

She adds that the organisation remains a critical role player in addressing the concerns of workers.

The labour federation has given government 14 days to respond to workers’ demands for an end to poor governance and unemployment among other issues, or face more stringent protest action.

The workers say they can no longer afford to bear the burden of an ailing economy.

Some people who took to the streets of Cape Town say while workers want to strike, they simply can’t afford to.

The workers have also vocalised their concerns with the labour federation and its alliance with the ruling party, describing it as being in a direct conflict with their calls for an end to lackluster governance.

They’ve expressed their discontent with the ruling ANC government, with calls mounting for the tripartite alliance’s re-configuration.

Cosatu Gauteng Chairperson, Amos Monyela, has however defended the partnership.