Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) President Godfrey Selematsela and his Deputy, Martle Keyter will lead discussions on the current political and economic crisis at the union federation’s Management Committee (ManCom) tomorrow 4 April 2017 at FEDUSA House in Horizon Park, Roodepoort where a decision will be taken on whether FEDUSA will formally participate in the mass national protest action planned for Friday against President Jacob Zuma’s Cabinet Reshuffle.
FEDUSA is of the view that the Friday mass peaceful protest actions should not hurt the weak economy, should include collaboration amongst the social partners leaders in NEDLAC and must be linked to the motion of no confidence debate in Parliament. A media conference will be held afterwards to communicate ManCom’s decision.
FEDUSA supports mass peaceful protest action which includes the carrying of placards, working with local communities, attending prayer meetings and lunch-hour picketing. As a responsible union federation, FEDUSA will not support any national shutdown or that South Africans should not go to work or school on Fridays as this approach will undermine efforts to stimulate inclusive economic growth and employment creation.
“FEDUSA remains highly concerned about these volatile and unstable developments in our country and Our decision regarding the planned mass peaceful protest actions on Friday will be guided by our independent, politically non-aligned stance to any political party and a clear mandate from our members. We call on our people to remain calm and to support the programme of action of our leadership that will be made available after the media conference,” said FEDUSA General Secretary Dennis George.
George also had discussions with Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba, about the future of Team South Africa, which is made up of leaders of organised labour, business and government, and whose main mission is to avert a sovereign downgrading to junk status and attract much need foreign direct investment by talking to credit rating agencies and investors.
FEDUSA is the largest politically non-aligned trade union federation in South Africa and represents a diverse membership from a variety of sectors in industry. See www.fedusa.org.za for more information.