Protest continues at parliament
Remaining resolute in their demands for better working conditions, workers entered day four of protests in the parliamentary precinct in Cape Town on Thursday.
“Today is do or die day,” said parliament’s press secretary Thabang Mlusi to the group of protesting workers.
“If police fight us today, we fight back.”
Nehawu’s chairperson in parliament, Sthembiso Tembe said they were expecting to meet with parliament’s management at 11am – an hour after was originally agreed.
This, despite meeting until 10pm on Wednesday night to discuss workers’ grievances. Nehawu was told management would first consult outside of the meeting and then return with answers.
On Monday, workers started protesting, demanding – among others – incentivising qualifications financially, performance bonuses, and the end to outsourcing.
On Wednesday, chaos broke out at parliament when riot police were called in to disperse the crowd. Having defied the police’s order, police fired stun grenades and used pepper spray on protesters.
“We have not been happy with how they have responded to the legitimate demands of the workers,” said Tembe.
“Parliament is being run by dictators, not managers.”
Members of parliament (MPs), namely the United Democratic Movement, the Democratic Alliance, the African Christian Democratic Party, and the African National Congress intervened, requested police refrain from using force. They also, along with Tembe, negotiated the release of workers who were removed by police on Wednesday.
Tembe expressed his appreciation of MPs’ support. He also called on the broader public to support the workers’ struggle.
“We need the solidarity of the public,” said Tembe.
“We aren’t only workers. We are parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles and we don’t only support our own families.”
Tembe added that Nehawu’s national president Mzwandile Makwayiba was expected at parliament on Wednesday afternoon to show support. - ANA
(File photo: Gallo Images)