Several small gatherings, in line with COVID-19 regulations, were expected to take place around the country to highlight challenges such as unemployment which now sits at 32.5%.
The state must implement the basic income grant now if it wants to retain any semblance of legitimacy, writes Zwelinzima Vavi.
The Saftu leader says expected budget cuts next week would be more drastic than those that came earlier this year.
In a virtual address with leaders of affiliate unions on Thursday night, secretary-general Zwelinzima Vavi said that the current education system made the youth unemployable and therefore susceptible to crime and joining gangs.
Vavi received his diagnosis on Thursday morning after undergoing multiple test following a persistent flu.
Saftu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said that the money SAA was losing for cancelling today and Saturday's flights could have easily paid for workers' 8% increase demands for a year.
Saftu leader Zwelinzima Vavi said that with his views on trade and exports, it was clear that Finance Minister Tito Mboweni was not trying to break down the colonial nature of the economy.
Cosatu spokesperson Sizwe Pamla says President Cyril Ramaphosa doesn’t have any time to waste and must act quickly to prevent more jobs being shed.
Statistics South Africa is expected to release its quarterly survey on the unemployment rate on Tuesday.
Saftu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi says even with inequalities and injustices, people need to remember and commemorate Workers' Day while fighting against the destruction of quality jobs for precarious forms of employment.
Saftu has thrown its weight behind the protests in Alexandra, calling on residents in other townships around the country to join the demonstration, with Zwelinzima Vavi saying that residents have been left with no other option but to take to the streets.
Saftu's Zwelinzima Vavi has described Booi, a member of the federation’s coordinating committee in the Free State, as a passionate supporter of the workers’ struggle.
Edcon CEO Grant Pattison said while the company has been in financial trouble for a long time, it’s already on track in closing a deal that will save the company.
Saftu's Zwelinzima Vavi says the country can't afford any more job losses.
Saftu has joined calls for the prosecution of former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste after the Government Employees Pension Fund had to write off massive investments as a result of the collapse of Steinhoff’s share price last year.
Finance Minister Tito Mboweni revealed at the weekend that government spends 80% of its budget on the salaries of public servants.
Spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe says as far as the board and executive of utility is concerned, there are no plans to sell off the parastatal.
The trade unionist is accused of inappropriately touching a female employee at the Numsa offices last year.
