SA’s work days lost due to strike action rose more than 30-fold in the first six months of 2022 compared with the same period last year. Image: Storm Simpson
‘Sell outs’: Tweeps slam SANTACO’s stance on National Shutdown
South Africans have mixed reactions regarding SANTACO’s announcement that it will not be participating in the National Shutdown.
SA’s work days lost due to strike action rose more than 30-fold in the first six months of 2022 compared with the same period last year. Image: Storm Simpson
There are mixed reactions on the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) not participating in the National Shutdown planned by unions such as COSATU and SAFTU.
On Tuesday, 22 August, SANTACO said despite numerous requests to participate in the planned National shutdown it will not participate in the planned National shutdown. This means that commuters need not worry as minibus taxis will be operating as usual in the country.
MIXED REACTIONS OVER SANTACO’S STANCE
The taxi association’s statement saw it trend on social media with some questioning if it has lost its power since it is well known for its shutdowns while others commended the association for being apolitical.
“And when Santaco has strikes, they forcefully engage poor passengers that rely on them. And this time the same passengers need their support, bona are not coming to party, wow!!” @LadyPQueening tweeted.
“Our parents listened to Zwelinzima and lost their jobs. Not being party to a protest is not anti black. These business people pay exuberant installments on a monthly basis and struggle to meet their targets. They don’t have the luxury of taking a day off.” @m_mzet tweeted.
“When you decide to partake in any shutdown or protest don’t harass passengers in buses and trains then. Allow them to express their freedom of association as you are doing currently” @mfundo_debrian also tweeted.
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL SHUTDOWN ABOUT?
Thousands of workers are expected to participate in the national shutdown primarily organised by the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) and Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).
The unions called on workers to down tools on Wednesday, 24 August. There will also be demonstrations and marches in South Africa’s major metropolitan areas. The high cost of living and rampant unemployment were cited as some of the reasons for the protected strike. As mentioned above, SANTACO will not be participating in the strike.
SAFTU leader Zwelinzima Vavi said the union is not expecting great crowds on the day as there is no train service in many areas.
You can find out more information about the meeting points in all the provinces here.
ALSO READ: Live updates: National Shutdown – workers to down tools
