In response to the South African Presidency’s plea to major industries to postpone impending retrenchments, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has condemned the request, alleging that it is a mere electioneering tactic by the ruling party, the ANC. The EFF asserts that the delay is aimed at safeguarding the ANC’s electoral prospects, rather than addressing the root causes of the country’s economic challenges.
The statement released by the EFF, highlights the dire economic situation facing South Africa. The ongoing energy crisis, logistical breakdowns, and escalating crime rates have created an environment conducive to job losses, with major industries such as steel manufacturing, mining, and telecommunications set to retrench thousands of workers.
The EFF criticizes the ANC for its mismanagement of critical sectors, including the troubled state-owned power utility, ESKOM, the collapsed railway infrastructure, and the rampant levels of crime and corruption. The party contends that the current unemployment crisis, affecting 11.7 million people, is a direct result of the ANC’s policies.
The statement singles out specific companies, noting that Arcelomittal’s decision to close operations in Newcastle and Vereeniging will lead to the retrenchment of 3,500 workers. Similarly, telecommunications giant Telkom plans to cut 15% of its workforce due to operational difficulties related to load shedding, while MTN South Africa is offering voluntary severance packages to reduce its staff.
Mining companies such as Anglo-American Platinum, Wesizwe Platinum, Impala Platinum, and Sibanye Stillwater have also announced intentions to retrench workers, potentially resulting in the loss of over 10,000 jobs by the end of January 2024.
The EFF emphasizes that the request to delay retrenchments is not a genuine effort to address economic challenges but a ploy to postpone job losses until after the upcoming elections. The party urges the people of South Africa to register to vote and participate in the Provincial and National Elections in 2024 to bring about a change in government.
Moreover, the EFF highlights the apparent contradiction in the Presidency’s request, noting that while they implore big businesses to delay retrenchments, the South African Post Office (SAPO), under the same government, is planning to retrench 6,000 workers.
The statement concluded with a call to action, encouraging South Africans to register to vote during the Voter Registration Weekend on February 3rd and 4th, either by visiting voting stations or registering online on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) website. The EFF asserts that voting for change is crucial to putting an end to the looming job bloodbath in South Africa.