The novel virus has affected countries around the world. South Africa has experienced a plunge in its economic growth since the onset of the virus. When South Africa confirmed that the virus was a global threat, their head of state, Cyril Ramaphosa, decided to impose a lockdown. Now Unions protest over the poor working environment and wage cuts in South Africa.
This led to the suspension of major economic activities. During the lockdown, many people lost their jobs. Data from the South African Statistic Institute reveal that amid the first quarter of the total lockdown, the country’s economic growth declined tremendously. The economy suffered a decrease from March to June, except for May, when it started making slight improvements as businesses slowly returned to normalcy.
The Protest Over Poor Working Environment
On Wednesday, workers in South Africa held a nationwide protest. The two main labor unions in the country, Congress of South Africa Trade Union and South Africa Federation of Trade, had mobilized the demonstrations. During the strike, the workers complained of a lack of job opportunities, poor transport networks, and even corruption.
They claimed they had no idea where their money was going to. Blamed the government for not coming up with measures to combat the crises. Especially since it’s a time of the pandemic, inflation rates are high, making life harder for the people.
Despite South Africa recording high numbers of corona patients, the demonstrators in some parts of the country took to the streets. Engaging in protests in the street may result in a corona upsurge because people were interacting at a closer range. Therefore, making it hard for most of the protestors to maintain social distance, wearing masks, etc.
At the time of the strike, Zingisa Losi, the president of COSATU, stated that it angered them seeing healthcare workers die after attending to corona patients. Corruption had taken atoll in the country to the extent that medical workers were receiving fake PPEs. It is shameful when the government fails to protect the doctors, especially at this time of the pandemic. Zingiswa Losi, the President of the Congress of South Africa Trade Union said:
“What we are raising is that corruption here has taken away our workers. Healthcare workers, workers in the public sector, have died contracting coronavirus because the quality of PPEs was not of a quality that will defend workers as they are trying to defend our own lives.”
Effects of the Strike
The strike disrupted sectors like education, transport, and industry. Learning came to a standstill. It was hectic for vehicles, cars, and motorcycles to move about in the streets flooded with protestors.
Ramaphosa Promises to Restore the Economy
It was sad when local leaders like Enca Neo Mashika alleged that the government told them they would live in poverty. However, President Ramaphosa stated during a press briefing that they are working on ways to revive their economy. This act is so essential since predictions reveal that the economy may decline by 7.2% or worse in the future.
Although the details to restore are not yet out, everyone hopes for the best. When ANC, which is the ruling party in the country, many expect them to address the worker’s demands.
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