The disgusting behaviour by strikers against Minister Thulas Nxesi cannot be condoned by decent, law-abiding citizens. Such rude behaviour is an insult to our democracy.
South Africa is in the throes of massive industrial disputes, which have the potential to gravely damage economic recovery and trigger violence and unrest on a major scale.
Though trends suggest industrial violence is not as prevalent as it used to be, many incidents in our recent past remind us that complacence will be dangerous.
Rampant levels of unemployment and escalating industrial conflicts could serve as a catalyst to uproot the foundations of our hard-won democracy.
Industrialists, trade union leaders and important Cabinet ministers will face the wrath of workers and the jobless who get aggravated due to perceived dissatisfaction. Industrial democracy leads to industrial harmony and ultimately industrial peace.
Africa’s most industrialised economy lost 1.6 million work days due to industrial action in the first half of 2022.
Labour upheavals cost the South African economy about R10 billion a year. Hundreds of lives are lost every year as industrial disputes remain unresolved. In the evolving industrial scenario and its myriad complex problems, a cool and sober temperament is required.
Once such person is Nxesi, Minister of Labour and Employment, a most crucial portfolio and of cardinal importance to ensure tranquillity and effective governance in a country facing immense wealth and abject poverty.
Minister Nxesi is the epitome of excellence in his Cabinet position, a distinguished ruling party member who spent his entire life fighting for equality, equity and the well-being of the downtrodden.
His Struggle credentials are not flashed for glory and fame; he is a man of quiet disposition who works silently and diplomatically to defuse volatile labour conflicts. He believes negotiations are a way to settle differences – by compromise or agreement while avoiding argument and dispute.
He is a patient man with enormous negotiating skills who has resolved many protracted labour problems. His portfolio includes employment – the most serious issue confronting our society today. Unemployment at 33.9% is indeed reality with frightening consequences if left unchecked, while 12 million people are jobless.
Minister Nxesi, without pomp or pageantry, has a concrete plan to add as many as 2 million new jobs, as our nation has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world.
Thulas Nxesi is indeed a dedicated, honest leader, having served as minister of public works; sports and recreation; and deputy minister of land reform. At this critical juncture in our economic crisis, Minister Nxesi is a leader whose serene composure and adroit industrial negotiating skills could pacify a volatile situation.
In any precarious industrial situation Nxesi has the magical ability to bring about order and stability, earning the admiration and respect of the nation. As the ANC heads to its conference, let those in the corridors of power be aware his immense contribution to our nation.
* Farouk Araie, Gauteng.
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.
Do you have something on your mind; or want to comment on the big stories of the day? We would love to hear from you. Please send your letters to [email protected].
All letters to be considered for publication, must contain full names, addresses and contact details (not for publication).