Nationwide strike approaches—Newcastle SAPS and Newcastle CPF respond

As Newcastle residents recover from the recent and ice-cold disruptive snowfall that caused chaos on major routes like the R34, commonly knowns as the Memel Road, the N11 and the N3, the question arises: will the coming days bring further turmoil in the form of protest action? This concern comes as the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) prepares to embark on a nationwide strike on 7 October 2024.

According to the union, COSATU’s protest action addresses South Africa’s high unemployment rate, with 11.3 million people in need of jobs, and targets poverty and income inequality.

The union has outlined several key demands for the strike, including:

• An end to the attack on Collective Bargaining in all sectors.
• Action against crime and corruption.
• Reduction of high interest rates.
• Urgent measures to address the soaring cost of living.
• A halt to job losses and privatisation.
• A significant focus on job creation and addressing unemployment.
• The government must abandon its pursuit of austerity measures.

In a statement, COSATU’s KwaZulu-Natal branch noted that a Special Provincial Executive Committee (SPEC) meeting was recently held, and was well attended by COSATU affiliates, local structures, gender structures, and young workers. The meeting, addressed by COSATU General Secretary Solly Phetoe, focused on the union’s ongoing campaigns to defend workers from exploitation.

“COSATU KZN notes with serious concern the deepening of the neoliberal agenda by the imperialist forces through our state and owners of the means of production. This is the reason COSATU in KZN fully supports the strike which is called by COSATU and other Federations on the 7 October. We see this strike as crucial issues because it addresses bread and butter issues for the workers,” the union stated.

The KZN branch further highlighted that approximately 11.3 million South Africans are unemployed, with workers facing daily retrenchments under Section 189“Austerity measures impact workers heavily and continue to impose hardships on the working class as it undermines service delivery. Many companies, public services and local government sectors are currently engaging on the collective bargaining, and effects of the neoliberal austerity measures are making it very difficult to conclude progressive collective bargaining agreements for workers,” said COSATU KZN.

They also raised concerns over companies not complying with the National Minimum Wage. “Many workers are robbed of their rights to earn a basic salary which they have fought so hard for through their Federation. All these companies must be named and shamed, and decisive action taken against them,” the statement continued.

COSATU KZN warned that the rising cost of living has worsened conditions for workers, with little relief in sight. The union pledged to work with other federations, civil society, the mass democratic movement, and working-class communities to mobilise for the strike and ensure their message is heard loud and clear.

As preparations continue, there is rising concern in Newcastle. Will the upcoming strike lead to a disruption in the town?

While COSATU rallies support for the strike, Newcastle SAPS has assured residents that it stands ready to respond to any potential unrest. “At present, we have not received any directives that Newcastle will face a specific threat. However, we are monitoring the situation closely, and we are prepared for anything,” said Newcastle SAPS Station Commander, Brigadier Vassie Naidoo. He also emphasised that local law enforcement has contingency plans in place, though details could not be revealed for security reasons.

While the contingency plans could not be divulged for security and safety reasons, the state of readiness does not end with the local police.

Chairperson for the Newcastle Community Policing Forum (CPF) Ismaeel Dhalech explained that the community-based organisation was also ready for any issues that might arise in Newcastle from the nationwide strike action. “We are ready for any disruptions that may arise. As we work under the Newcastle SAPS, as soon if we receive any instructions from the Newcastle SAPS, we will react immediately to provide the necessary support where necessary,” stressed Dhalech, who added that this included security companies who worked closely with both the Newcastle SAPS and the Newcastle CPF.

However, as law enforcement and the stakeholders who work alongside the police, Dhalech encouraged residents to join forces with the Newcastle CPF, to ensure stability in Newcastle, alongside the respective authorities.

Speaking with a resident, who wished to remain anonymous, she had the following to say regarding the strike, “These guys are playing games with everyone’s lives and jobs. Jumping around on the street, singing and shouting does not create jobs and most people are sick and tired of it.” Passionate about the subject, she added, “Stopping the country from working, costs jobs, it does not make more. Like I see in my area, most people are too lazy to work and just expect the government to give them money. These unions should leave the companies alone and rather focus on teaching the unemployed how to impress a boss in an interview and how to keep a job.”

Nevertheless, as preparations are now underway to ensure COSATU’s nationwide strike does not hamper residents’ daily lives, what are your thoughts on the above?

Share your views in the comment section below.