United under the leadership of Cosatu, thousands of workers from various sectors took to the streets of Durban on Monday, to raise their voices against escalating living expenses, rampant corruption, and persistent economic challenges faced by workers.
The nationwide strike, supported by various unions and the SACP, was fuelled by widespread frustration over wage stagnation, rising food and fuel prices, and growing economic inequality.
Among the most pressing issues highlighted during the march was the steep increase in the cost of living, which many workers described as unsustainable.
Cosatu said food prices, combined with Eskom’s proposed 36% electricity tariff hike for 2025, would exacerbate the financial burden on already struggling households.
Edwin Mkhize, Cosatu KZN secretary, pointed out the disconnect between the government's stated commitment to economic growth and the reality faced by workers.
“We are saying that if this GNU (government of national unity) says its commitment is to make sure that there is economic growth, we want to send a message as well that the lives of workers matter too. If you want to deal with the issue of economic growth, you need to commit to upping the standard of living,” Mkhize stated.
Fikile Mazibuko, a Grade R teacher, said she has been a contract teacher since 2016.
“There are no bonuses or benefits from these contracts, and some months I do not get paid. This has affected my life severely as I am always in debt trying to make ends meet and support my family.”
Similarly, teacher Sizwe Gina voiced concerns about overcrowded classrooms and the lack of permanent teaching positions.
“In other schools, you find that there are too many learners and very few teachers. The department must hire as many teachers as they can so we can improve the results for Grade 12,” Gina said.
Zothile Nxumalo, an administrator at a Durban school, expressed deep frustration over stagnant salaries and the increasing challenges faced by educators.
“Our biggest concern is the state of the economy and our salaries. We have not been receiving increments for the longest time,” Nxumalo said.
The demands made during the march extended beyond education, with workers from all sectors calling for significant wage increases, job security, and improved working conditions.
On Sunday, Cosatu said it was also calling for labour reform to make retrenchments more difficult citing retrenchments at Seriti and retailer Pick n Pay. However, Pick n Pay clarified that there was no plan to retrench 12 000 workers.
In Durban, the march culminated at the Durban City Hall, where union leaders presented a memorandum to eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba, KZN MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande.
While the march received widespread support from workers and unions, it drew criticism from Business Unity South Africa (Busa).
Busa CEO Cas Coovadia argued that the protest would place additional strain on an already fragile economy.
“At a time when our economy is under severe strain, such protests will only add further pressure and do not contribute to efforts to achieve sustainable economic recovery,” Coovadia said.
The Mercury