Some
time ago, members of the public, political parties and now Union Federations in
South Africa announced a stay away action or what we can call a National Shutdown.
The
reason for these shutdowns is mostly due to the state of our economy – rampant fuel
price increases, food price increases, electricity and other unaffordable
increases but most importantly the youth unemployment.
Now
we have heard numerous experts on Talk radio not in favor of any shutdown,
question is: Are they going through the same challenges?
I
believe one will only realize that there is crime / violent crime in this
country once one is directly affected. Can we also say the same when it comes
to supporting a cause?
Not
so long we had a “so called National
shutdown” but the attendance was poor,
more so because the “so called middle class” will never participate in any
action but also because of the taxi industry that ferries most of our
employees, not taking part.
Whenever
there is a call for an approved protest action or strike action – those taking
part are always being criticized. Those secured in their comfort would blame
Union bosses, and even pointing out their lifestyles, but they will never
mention the lifestyles of decision makers, be it politicians or executives in
the various sectors.
All
protest action emanates from somewhere and it just do not start overnight, it starts
as something small and is breeding for some time, before communities or workers
are taking any action.
Why
are we then seeing the Union bosses as the problem?
Was
it not Martin Luther King Jr. who said: 'A riot is the language
of the unheard?' So when are we going to hear our
unheard? When are we going to listen to the most vulnerable? When are we going
to listen to those not able to speak for themselves? Union federations might be
in alliance with Government but if Government fail to even listen to their
partner, what must we the poorest of the poor do?
I
listened with disgust on TalkRadio how some of the learned claim that they will
not partake in any strikes and that they will work for their families.
My question would also
be to the ones not willing to attend the proposed shutdown:
Do you have reprieve on
electricity payment?
Do you pay less for fuel
and food?
Is your employment
secured for your entire worklife?
Do you have unemployed
family or friends?
Do you have pensioners
in your family?
Who is not working for
their families?
Remember there is no
success without any sacrifice.
Fuel
prices, electricity prices, unemployment and food prices affects us all, so are
we not thinking of the most vulnerable before preaching on Talk Radio that we
will not partake in the National Shutdown.
Are
we even aware that those who is going to take part are not even listening to
Talk Radio?
Remember
no one is being forced to take part in any industrial action or work stoppage
or even national shutdown, but those not willing to sacrifice must not ridicule
those who is willing to take part in any action.
shouldn’t
we see the Unions as a partner, instead of an enemy?
