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Independent Democrats Parliamentary Leader Joe Mcgluwa notes Cosatu’s vow to challenge the strike ruling by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) earlier this week.

The labour federation’s statement follows the dismissal of an appeal by the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) relating to the riotous strike action in Cape Town’s CBD in May 2006.

The ID is in full support of the constitutional right of labour federations to appeal the ruling by the SCA.

‘Cosatu must stop confusing the community with their hypocritical statements. On the one hand they condemn violent strike action and on the other hand they are condoning it by challenging the court’s decision,’ says Mr Mcgluwa.

‘The ID reiterates our stand on the fact that the organisers of public demonstrations should be responsible for their members. The organisers of the event must ensure that the integrity of their process is secure as it is only then when they can commit to a peaceful and orderly demonstration.’

The ID hopes that the same ruling will apply to all political parties.

Mcgluwa says in recent events, Cosatu’s alliance partner, the ANC has experienced retaliation and conflict from six of its provinces which refused to comply with the party’s instruction to take action against the violent protests of the ANCYL.

‘This was due to the rebellious action of ANCYL protestors who trashed central Johannesburg while marching to Luthuli House in support of Julius Malema.

‘South Africa cannot tolerate the violence and blatant lawless behaviour of strikers who damage private and public property, and where street vendors become the victims of brutality, having their stalls looted by unruly protestors,’ Mcgluwa says.