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The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Free State is disappointed by the deafening silence of the Premier’s Office on the memorandum handed over by workers on the 6th of October 2023. 

The Federation embarked on a march and handed a memorandum. However, there is no reply to date despite the assurances that responses are being prepared. Thirty-two days have elapsed, and no response has been provided. 

This is an indication that the Premier does not respect labour. More disturbing is his disrespect for the Alliance partners and the volunteers of the movement during the elections campaign. It is completely unacceptable that a government leader and an employer would fail to respond to a memorandum handed over by workers.

At this point in time, the conduct of the Head of Department of Human Settlements, the economic crisis in the province, collapsing municipalities, insourcing or services, filling of vacant positions to alleviate staff shortage, the unavailability of a turnaround strategy for the implementation of the renewal project are deeply concerning. 

Leaders have spoken of renewal. The Federation has also read the documents in support of this aspiration, but in reality, we see very little to that effect!

We acknowledge that there was one isolated telephone call to COSATU’s Provincial Secretary by the Premier indicating that the response is still in progress, however there is still no movement on the matter! 

The Office of the Premier of the Free State should show some respect to workers and respond to the memorandum. As COSATU, the interests of our members will always come first despite the relationship we may have at an organizational level. 

We will be going back to demand answers from the Office of the Premier should none be forthcoming.

The struggle continues!

Issued by COSATU Free State