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UASA strongly condemns any threats of business closures and looting during the planned national shutdown on Monday, 20 March 2023. As a nonpartisan and economically responsible organisation, UASA will not be part of the shutdown.

South Africa is in no position to miss a day of business operations.  Looking back at the looting and violence of the unrest in July 2021, we can be sure that our economy will again suffer greatly. 

Most businesses are doing their utmost to recover from the looting, load-shedding and the 2 years of Covid-19 lockdowns. Workers want to go to work to make a living and put food on the table. Companies or workers do not welcome this type of setback.

In a country where employment seems like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, we urge workers and business owners to protect their investments and source of income by all means.

As a trade union, we acknowledge the right to strike or demonstrate and to air our grievances but not at the cost of our economy, job security and safety.

UASA urges citizens who plan to be part of the shutdown not to use this day as an opportunity to engage in illegal activities. Practice caution, act responsibly and protect your own and others’ safety.

Issued by UASA Spokesperson Abigail Moyo