Cape Times reports that Cosatu has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to keep the concerns of workers and working-class communities close to his heart when he appoints his Cabinet in the coming days.
In a statement congratulating Ramaphosa on his inauguration for a second term, the labour federation’s spokesperson, Zanele Sabela, said Cosatu derived great pleasure in seeing one of its own ascend to the Presidency. Ramaphosa is a former general secretary of Cosatu affiliate the National Union of Mineworkers. Sabela conceded that the May 2024 elections had been difficult for alliance partners made up of the ANC, the SA Communist Party and Cosatu. She noted that the country found itself in unfamiliar territory with the installation of a government of national unity (GNU) 30 years into democracy and commented: “As the president prepares to name his Cabinet, we call on him to keep the concerns of workers and working-class communities close to his heart by appointing ministers that understand this mission. We expect him to safeguard the labour laws and gains that workers fought tooth and nail for over many decades.” Sabela added that Cosatu further expected the government to diligently pursue the transformation agenda, lay the foundation for the implementation of the National Health Insurance, action a universal basic income grant and comprehensive social security, intensify the war on crime and corruption, and accelerate the renewal campaign.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mayibongwe Maqhina at Cape Times
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page