GIWUSA urges govt to urgently address cost-of-living crisis in South Africa
A recent report by the Household Affordability Index has revealed that the average South African worker spends over 57% of their monthly earnings on transport and electricity.
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JOHANNESBURG - A recent report by the Household Affordability Index has revealed that the average South African worker spends over 57% of their monthly earnings on transport and electricity.
This statistic underscores the worsening cost-of-living crisis, forcing us to compromise on necessities like food.
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The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa has sounded the alarm over this crisis, blaming the government for its failure to address the escalating costs of electricity, transport, and food.
The workers union is particularly critical of President Cyril Ramaphosa's neoliberal policies, which it believes have exacerbated the crisis.
"As privatisation of electricity generation through Independent Power Procurement program has led to over 800% tariff increases since 2007 excluding the latest series of increases approved by NERSA," said GIWUSA president Mametlwe Sebei.
As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, Sebei said GIWUSA was urging the government to take immediate action to alleviate the burden of transport and electricity costs on workers.
"The fact that workers are forced to allocate such large portions of their income towards transport and electricity while compromising on food and other essential expenses is unacceptable."