by SAFTU Admin – IN SUMMARY:
- SAFTU’s Warning: SAFTU criticizes the coalition government led by the ANC and DA, claiming it worsens conditions for the working class and poor black majority.
- First 100 Days of GNU: SAFTU argues that the first 100 days of the Government of National Unity (GNU) show signs of failure, despite initial praise for its clean governance and economic growth promises.
- Positive Media Coverage: The GNU was praised for potentially improving governance and the economy. Financial markets reacted positively, with the rand strengthening, and the stock market hitting record highs.
- President Ramaphosa’s UN Speech: The President praised the GNU, claiming it brought hope, economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. He also emphasized South Africa’s commitment to equality, sustainable development, and the Just Energy Transition Plan.
- Economic Decline: Despite government promises, poverty, unemployment, and inequality are worsening. SAFTU blames 30 years of neoliberal ANC policies and predicts continued economic inequality under the GNU.
- Poverty: Over 30 million people live in poverty, with 20 million facing food insecurity. 27% of children are malnourished, despite record agricultural exports.
- No Anti-Poverty Plan: The GNU has not proposed a wealth redistribution plan to tackle poverty. Instead, current policies favor the rich, influenced by IMF loan conditions.
- Education Budget Cuts: Major budget cuts are hurting basic and higher education, resulting in job losses for thousands of teachers and declining education quality.
- Healthcare Crisis: Budget cuts are causing a shortage of healthcare workers, affecting public health services, which 84% of the population relies on.
- Unemployment & Job Security: Unemployment has increased to 13.1 million, with a rise in insecure, low-paying jobs. South Africa’s manufacturing sector has significantly declined, worsening inequality.
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): South Africa is failing to meet its goals related to poverty, education, health, gender equality, clean energy, and inequality reduction.
- Historical Economic Issues: SAFTU links today’s problems to ANC’s 30-year economic mismanagement and neoliberal policies that favor businesses over the poor.
- Economic Stagnation: Despite the DA’s role in the GNU, the economy grew by only 0.4% in the second quarter, and investment promises have not materialized.
- Workers’ Rights Under Attack: Workers face threats to their rights, as seen in budget cuts and labor law reversals.
- Conclusion: SAFTU believes the GNU government is attacking workers’ interests, and urges the working class to mobilize in defense.
