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The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) yesterday met with an Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) delegation, led by its President Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP, in Sandton. Key matters under discussion included the Marikana massacre, unemployment, poverty, economic inequality, and the National Development Plan (NDP).

FEDUSA’s National Executive Committee decided that, although the Federation is politically non-aligned, it should engage with all political parties to discuss important policy developments.

“FEDUSA and the IFP agreed that unemployment lies at the root of our problems regarding poverty and economic inequality,” said FEDUSA General Secretary Dennis George. “We will never be able to address the challenges facing the poor if we don’t stimulate our economy to create enough jobs – especially for our young people.”

FEDUSA President Koos Bezuidenhout also attended the meeting. “We also spoke about the horrendous events at the Lonmin mine in Marikana. We agreed that we must work together to improve our labour legislation to ensure that workers’ rights are protected and to keep government accountable for speedy implementation. We also agreed to fight corruption and work with the office of the Public Protector to ensure good governance,” said Bezuidenhout.

“We agreed to share information and co-strategise on matters of mutual interest, as and when the need arises,” concluded George.

FEDUSA commended Prince Buthelezi MP on his response to the tabling of the National Development Plan by Mr Trevor Manuel, and in particular, that the implementation of the plan was going to be litmus test.