Cosatu to march against job losses and high living costs

COSATU members in the Northern Cape will embark on a march to the Office of the Premier in Kimberley on October 7. This demonstration is part of a nationwide protest to draw attention to the challenges faced by workers, including high unemployment rates and the rising cost of living.

The march will start at the Honoured Dead Memorial in Memorial Road at 9am on Monday and will proceed to the Office of the Premier.

Cosatu provincial secretary Orapeleng Moraladi said that around 1,000 members were expected to take part in the march.

“The purpose of the march is, amongst others, to halt escalating retrenchments and job losses, address weakened economic growth and to combat the unaffordable high costs of living,” said Moraladi.

He added that a memorandum would be handed over to various departments, businesses and law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Health, Department of Education, Eskom, the Hawks, the Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Special Investigating Unit, SAPS, the Department of Minerals and Energy, Ekapa Mine, Sol Plaatje Municipality, retail stores and the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs.

He called on all South Africans to either join the planned activities across the country or withdraw their labour by staying at home in support of the march.

“The strike is protected and legal.”

Moraldi added that their demands would include calls to reduce electricity tariffs and fuel prices.

“We are also calling for the expeditious arrest, investigation and prosecution of those who stole from the public purse. Action must also be taken against high levels of crime and gender-based violence and femicide.”

He noted that the strike was also part of commemorating the International Day of Decent Work.