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The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) strongly rejects the irresponsible remarks by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who suggested that trade unions are responsible for high unemployment through their wage demands.

South Africa’s unemployment crisis is not caused by workers demanding fair wages. It is the direct outcome of poor governance, collapsing infrastructure, load shedding, corruption, and years of austerity that have undermined the economy and stripped critical public services of resources. To blame unions is to mislead the public and shift attention away from government’s failures.

In the police service, as in other parts of the public sector, the real problem is frozen posts, chronic underfunding, and the hollowing out of capacity. Workers cannot be scapegoated for the state’s refusal to invest in safety, security, and job creation.

As a senior law enforcement leader, the Commissioner should be focused on strengthening the fight against crime and ensuring communities are safe, not targeting unions that defend workers’ rights. 

FEDUSA will continue to fight for decent work, worker protection, and fair labour practices, while holding leaders accountable for the structural reforms needed to rebuild South Africa’s economy.

Issued by FEDUSA