Opposing Privatisation: The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) said in a statement that they oppose selling South African Airways (SAA) to private companies. They believe Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s support for privatisation aims to please private businesses, not the public.
Public Ownership Benefits: SAFTU wants state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to stay public to ensure affordable and reliable transport, for example: Johannesburg’s Metrobus, a public company, provides affordable transport.
Affordable Air Travel: A state-owned SAA can make air travel cheaper for working-class people, this helps with long-distance travel and reduces road accidents.
Boosting Tourism: A public SAA can also help increase tourism, create jobs, and boost the economy. Privatisation would make air travel too expensive for working-class people.
Failed Privatization Attempt: SAFTU rejects selling SAA, especially after a previous failed sale with Takatso Consortium.
Privatisation Push: Privatisation discussions have increased as the ANC’s political dominance declines. Despite efforts to keep SOEs public, Mashatile supports public-private partnerships, which SAFTU criticizes.
Financial Burden: SAFTU argues that private sector partnerships still require government financial support, not reducing the state’s burden.
ANC’s Pro-Market Policies: SAFTU believes a left-leaning coalition with the ANC is unrealistic due to its neoliberal policies. SAFTU disputes claims that ANC shifted right only under President Ramaphosa, noting the party’s long-term pro-market stance since 1994.
