IOL reports that the SA Federation Trade Union (Saftu) will be embarking on a national shutdown on 24 August against the rising cost of living and other issues affecting the working class.

Saftu, along with over 100 working class formations, say they will embark on a shutdown as there is an undeclared civil war being waged by those in boardrooms and the state against the working class. The national shutdown will aim to address the ever increasing cost of living, including issues around the cost of food, fuel, the energy crisis, unemployment, privatisation of state entities, high crime levels and austerity measures in government procurement. Saftu spokesperson Trevor Shaku indicated: “The country is marching towards a precipice, and if the working class is not organised around a programme, and even an organ, it will be used by intra-factions of capitalism for their own end.” He went on to say: “The national shutdown might not achieve anything concrete out of government, but it is aimed at achieving a first unity of working class formations in struggle. That unity will allow us to fight persistently until we squeeze concrete gains out of government.” The federation said it was further motivated by tragedies that the country has witnessed in recent weeks.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sisipho Bhuta at IOL

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