By: Rodger Mandhlazi
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) took to the streets of Pretoria on Tuesday, marching to the Department of Labour under the banner “An injury to one is an injury to all.” The union called for improved working conditions, fair treatment of employees, and greater accountability from both government and private employers.
In its memorandum of demands, COSATU raised concerns about unsafe and unfair workplace environments, lack of protection for workers, and rising utility costs affecting employees’ livelihoods.
“We gathered here to stand against the non-liberal agenda, the attack on workers and the working class. We are demonstrating our frustration with the horrifying conditions that we face daily,” the union said in a statement.
The union also submitted copies of the memorandum to major retailers Shoprite and Pick n Pay, following allegations of worker exploitation at both companies. COSATU has given them 14 days to respond to its demands.
Mogomotse Seleke, Deputy Chairperson of COSATU in Gauteng, criticised unfair labour practices within retail chains.
“There’s a problem in Shoprite and there’s a problem in Pick n Pay. In Shoprite, they hire more casual workers than permanent employees. They bring people in for busy days like the 15th and 24th, then send them home afterwards. This is an abuse of workers, and we must never allow it,” Seleke said.
Members of the union who joined the march said the campaign was about standing up for all South African workers facing mistreatment in various sectors.
Lerato Nkadimeng, a COSATU member, said many workplaces continue to violate basic labour rights.
“We know that our fellow South Africans are not treated well in their working areas. As COSATU members, we came here to address these pressing issues with the Department of Labour and the stores that our citizens have complained about,” Nkadimeng said. Representatives from the Department of Labour, Shoprite, and Pick n Pay received and signed the memorandum. COSATU said it expects concrete responses within 14 days.
