SAFTU

SA Union Criticizes Government for Neoliberal Policies

The South African Federation of Trade Unions says the government of national unity continues to champion neoliberal economic policies that actively undermine job creation. Saftu’s spokesperson, Newton Masuku, says ahead of Finance minister, Enoch Godongwana’s budget speech today, they are demanding an immediate reversal of austerity measures. Meanwhile, the Public Servants Association says it expects Godongwana to present a budget that prioritises economic growth, job security, and the strengthening […]

19 February, 2025 84

South Africa

SAFTU condemns Stilfontein massacre

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has condemned the tragic events at Shaft 11 in Stilfontein, where 59 miners have been confirmed dead and 101 survivors have emerged in critical condition after weeks without food or water. Many of these miners were undocumented workers from Mozambique and other Southern African countries, and their deaths represent a gross display of state neglect. SAFTU argues that the South African government’s […]

15 January, 2025 22

South Africa

S.A Union Calls for Support Against CWP Contract Terminations for Workers Aged 55

S.A Union, Saftu, is calling on all progressive forces to join the fight against the termination of the contracts of the Community Work Programme workers aged 55 and above. Saftu’s Mogoshadi Maserumule says together, South Africans can demand a government that places people before profits and ensures dignity for every worker, regardless of age. She says many of these workers have been in the programme since its inception […]

6 January, 2025 51

South Africa

SAFTU condemns appointment of state capture linked companies

The South African Federation of Trade Unions has called for the cancellation of contracts with McKinsey, Bain & Company, and other companies tied to corruption. Both companies were involved in the state capture scandal.SouthAfricaNews stressed that the government should not work with companies undermining the country’s stability.

17 December, 2024 43

South Africa

S.A Union Vows to Oppose Proposed Labour Law Amendments

South African union federation Saftu has pledged to defend workers' rights against proposed labour law amendments it deems harmful to the working class. The union argues that the new laws would permit employers to dismiss workers without proper hearings, reduce protections for younger and new employees, and curtail workers’ rights in labor disputes. Saftu's general secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi, stated that the changes would primarily benefit businesses while undermining workers’ power. […]

23 October, 2024 52

South Africa

SA Union Condemns Retailers for High Food Prices Amid Falling Input Costs

The South African Federation of Trade Unions says it strongly condemns retailers that keep essential food items’ prices high despite declining input costs. The Competition Commission’s latest Essential Food Price Monitoring Report revealed that input costs of essential food items have declined, yet their retail prices remain unjustifiably high. Saftu’s, Mogoshadi Maserumule, says the profitability of the South African retailers, extracted from the working class through low wages and high […]

9 October, 2024 38

South Africa

S.A Union Saftu Welcomes London Court’s Decision on Michael Lomas Extradition

S.A Union federation, Saftu welcomes the London Court’s decision allowing the extradition of former Eskom contractor, Michael Lomas to South Africa. Lomas faces charges over a corruption case linked to Eskom’s Kusile Power Station, which cost the utility 745-million-rand through bribery. Saftu’s Mogoshadi Maserumule is pleased that key figures in the Eskom scandal will face justice but calls for swift prosecution, insisting that both financial restitution and imprisonment are necessary […]

30 August, 2024 67

South Africa

S.A Union Saftu Blames Capitalism for South Africa’s Rising Unemployment Crisis

South Africa's union federation, Saftu, attributes the country's soaring unemployment rates—8.3 million officially and 12.3 million in expanded figures—to capitalism. The latest labour force survey reveals alarming youth unemployment rates of 46.6% and 70%. Saftu’s Trevor Shaku criticized capitalism for its failure to generate local job opportunities. Meanwhile, Cosatu's Matthew Parks has urged immediate action, for increased job creation initiatives. He emphasised the need for a bold Medium-Term […]

14 August, 2024 37

South Africa

S.A Union Saftu Urges Government to Enhance Water Management and Infrastructure

South African Union federation, Saftu urges the government and municipalities to improve water management and invest in infrastructure to tackle water shortages. The federation is alarmed by frequent outages across provinces, which they attribute to delayed maintenance and poor management. They argue these shortages disproportionately affect poor and working-class communities, posing significant health risks and compromising sanitation. Saftu’s Mogoshadi Maserumule calls for enhanced accountability and effective resource management to address […]

2 August, 2024 41