Workers Day: A call for economic revival amid rising challenges

AS South Africa observed Workers’ Day this week, the country found itself at a crossroads. While it was a day to honour the contributions of workers, the celebrations were overshadowed by grim realities: a staggering 43.2% youth unemployment rate, persistent corruption, and systemic barriers stifling economic growth.

Against this backdrop, community activists, trade unions, and political leaders issued urgent calls for change, each offering solutions but united in their demand for action.

Community activist Thulani Dasa delivered a scathing critique of the Tripartite Alliance — the ANC, Cosatu, and the SACP — accusing its leaders of betraying the very people they claim to champion. “We saw Tripartite Alliance leaders around the country portraying themselves as champions of the poor and working class, but who live in opulence while we are faced with 43.2% youth unemployment,” he said.

Dasa highlighted the glaring disparity between politicians’ lifestyles and the struggles of ordinary citizens. “These so-called pro-poor hypocrites drive million-rand cars and stay in the most expensive hotels and world-class leafy suburbs in the land,” he said.

He further accused Cosatu and the SACP of perpetuating a dangerous myth during elections, only to voice concerns about corruption afterwards. “During election time, Cosatu and SACP perpetuate the myth of a pro-poor ANC notwithstanding all evidence to the contrary,” he said.

According to Dasa, the real predators were not external forces but the ruling elite themselves. “It is not the state that is predatory; it is the ruling elite. It is Cosatu and SACP who continue to deceive the public to vote for an ANC which has, since the Arms Deal of 1999, been characterised by self-enrichment and corruption.”

With rising costs looming over strained households, Dasa warned against policies such as proposed VAT increases that could further burden workers.

“This is a wake-up call for all the workers. Go out to communities, your families, and friends and tell them what is really going on,” he urged. “In order to make a change, you must go out and create awareness and educate your fellow workers about the reality: corruption is alive and well, and the workers are paying the price.”

Dasa posed two critical questions for reflection: “How much longer will they allow this situation to continue? How much longer do they want to suffer?” His answer lies in mobilising voters toward a future where economic growth benefits everyone, not just a privileged few.

Amid these criticisms, trade union UASA took a more hopeful tone, honouring workers while emphasising the need for collective action. Spokesperson Abigail Moyo underscored the vital role workers play in driving the national economy. “On Workers’ Day, we celebrate the vital contributions of all workers to our national economy,” she said. “UASA honours its members and all workers, expressing gratitude for their dedication and hard work.”

Moyo acknowledged the efforts of labour organisations advocating for workers’ rights, ensuring protections against poor working conditions and discrimination. She also called for collaboration during the ongoing collective bargaining season. “During this collective bargaining season, we urge labour representatives and employers to work together to advance workers while considering the impact on economic growth and industry prosperity,” she said.

Highlighting the intersection of labour and environmental concerns, Moyo said: “It’s crucial to address the impact of climate change on occupational health and safety as we strive for sustainable and inclusive economies that protect all workers.” Job security emerged as another key theme, with Moyo stressing accountability from employers. “Job security is essential, and we must hold employers accountable to ensure viable employment for the future,” she said.

Reflecting on UASA’s 130-year legacy, Moyo expressed gratitude to the union’s members. “As UASA marks 130 years as one of South Africa’s longest-standing trade unions, we remain committed to serving the interests and rights of all workers thanks to the trust and support of our members,” she said.

Meanwhile, Bosa leader Mmusi Maimane MP stood in Dobsonville, Soweto, calling for a revival of township economies and pledging to empower local entrepreneurs. Joined by Deputy Leader Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster MP and Gauteng Legislature Member Ayanda Allie MPL, Maimane addressed a crowd gathered in front of dilapidated buildings that once symbolised energy, enterprise, and employment in the community.

“Today, on Workers’ Day, we are gathered in front of buildings that used to symbolise township energy, enterprise, and employment,” Maimane said. “This is where traders sold goods, seamstresses stitched garments, mechanics fixed taxis, and young people learned trades. Now, they stand silent. Fenced off and forgotten.”

Despite this, Maimane emphasised that the people of Dobsonville had not lost hope. “But the people of Dobsonville have a vision,” he said. “These buildings can be so much more. They can become home to an indoor marketplace for local goods, shared office space for entrepreneurs, training centres for young artisans, co-ops for spaza traders and seamstresses, and storage facilities for informal vendors currently working on the streets.”

Maimane echoed the community’s call for action, urging the City of Johannesburg to hand over these spaces to those who can breathe new life into them. “Like the people of Dobsonville, we see opportunity, jobs, and dignity,” he said. “And we echo the community’s call for the City of Johannesburg to hand over these spaces to the people who will make them thrive again.” Bosa committed to standing alongside community leaders in taking this fight forward.

The party also recommitted its push for townships to be declared Special Economic Zones (SEZs) under the SEZ Act. “Bosa today recommits our push for all townships to be declared Special Economic Zones (SEZs),” Maimane said.

He highlighted the dual benefits of SEZs: creating jobs and dismantling apartheid’s legacy of spatial economic exclusion. To turn this vision into reality, Bosa plans to engage the SEZ Advisory Board to commission a feasibility study aimed at township-wide SEZ designation. “And you will be the first to know, keeping you in the loop every step of the way,” Maimane said.

Tying the event to Bosa’s broader economic agenda, Maimane referenced the Growth Charter for South Africa, launched just days earlier on Freedom Day. “Just days ago, on Freedom Day, Bosa launched our Growth Charter for South Africa,” he said. “It is our plan to unlock economic freedom and drive 5% growth. At its heart is a simple cause: support the job creators, and you will support the job seekers.”

The charter focuses on three key pillars. First, improving the ease of doing business in South Africa. “Right now, South Africa ranks 84th globally. In Rwanda, you can register a business in six hours. Here, it can take six weeks. That’s unacceptable,” Maimane said. To address this, Bosa plans to digitise company registration, automate licensing, and modernise customs processes. “Entrepreneurs like Dumisani, who’s with us here today, shouldn’t be punished for trying. They should be empowered to thrive,” he said.

Second, prioritising infrastructure as a catalyst for growth rather than viewing it as a cost. “China invests 40% of its GDP in infrastructure. South Africa? Less than 20%. That’s why our roads, trains, and ports are falling apart,” Maimane noted. Bosa aims to drive major investments into township infrastructure, public transport, and broadband, arguing that “you can’t build a business in a broken system.”

Third, providing unprecedented support to SMMEs and entrepreneurs. “SMMEs make up 40% of GDP, yet receive just 6% of bank loans,” Maimane pointed out. To address this gap, Bosa proposes establishing a national microfinance and credit guarantee scheme, offering tax relief for startups, and partnering with fintech to unlock access to capital. The goal? To grow SMME lending to 20% by 2027.

As Workers’ Day celebrations concluded, the message was clear: empowering township entrepreneurs, revitalising local economies, and addressing systemic issues are essential steps toward unlocking South Africa’s full potential.

Whether through activism, union advocacy, or political leadership, voices across the spectrum agree that meaningful transformation begins with informed choices and collective action. As Maimane put it: “If you build the township economy, you build the national economy. These buildings behind us may be quiet now, but with the right political will, they can roar to life. Let’s unlock the power of our people.”