COSATU says right-wing organisations feel ‘emboldened’ under the GNU
Speaking at the South African Communist Party (SACP)’s congress on Friday, COSATU’s first deputy president, Mike Shingange, said Ramaphosa must not give in to pressure from right-wing groups.
- Government of national unity (GNU)
- Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
- Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act
FILE: COSATU general secretary Solly Phetoe (L) and first deputy president Mike Shingange at COSATU House on 24 June 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - With a decision on the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act due soon, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) said right-wing organisations feel “emboldened” under the current Government of National Unity (GNU).
When President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the BELA Bill into law in September, he suspended the implementation of two clauses regarding school language and admission policies.
The suspension was to allow for a three-month consultation process with minority lobby groups like AfriForum and Solidarity.
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The groups said the implementation of the clauses would signal the end of Afrikaans schools in the country.
Speaking at the South African Communist Party (SACP)’s congress on Friday, COSATU’s first deputy president, Mike Shingange, said Ramaphosa must not give in to pressure from right-wing groups.
“They were fighting against the Employment Equity Act, against National Health Insurance, against the BELA Act, and the national minimum wage. That is a right-wing class that is so emboldened to take their fights to the streets, to NEDLAC [National Economic Development and Labour Council], and to courts. The left must respond in kind.”