'The rich do not even know 10111' Vavi
General Secretary of trade union federation SAFTU, Zwelinzima Vavi, says the lives of black workers are only of concern when there are elections.
Vavi was speaking at a joint press briefing with Police union SAPU.
Some 5 000 10111 operators, represented by SAPU, hung up their headsets on July 18, after demanding that their salaries be increased.
The striking workers have vowed to march to the Union Buildings on the 16th of October.
SAPU's Mpho Kwinika says they will not be intimidated.
"They have spoken to the National Commissioner of police and engaged the police industry. It is only fair that they engage heads of state by arching to the Union Buildings" says Kwinika.
Vavi says there's been little to no action from government because this issue only affects the poor and not the rich.
"Black lives are cheap, black lives are only important during voting times. Politicians serve the interest of elites in society. The day two cars burn in Sandton, and its headlines and the ministers are walking in the streets because white peace has been disturbed." says Vavi
Watch:
[WATCH] #10111Strike Vavi "The affluent have panic buttons. Black people use the 10111 service- that's why they don't care" @Slindelo_M pic.twitter.com/kq5iKRK59Z
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) October 2, 2017