The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) has announced that it will on Monday protest against President Jacob Zuma’s latest Cabinet reshuffle that saw the removal of Pravin Gordhan as finance minister.
Malusi Gigaba, 46, the former home affairs minister, takes over from Gordhan, but critics have warned the move would hurt the economy. Zuma said the reshuffle was meant to “improve efficiency and energy” in Cabinet.
The rand went into freefall on Friday in reaction to the massive cabinet reshuffle that has widely criticised by civil society, unions, opposition parties and some members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
In a statement issued by Zwelinzima Vavi, the Saftu Steering Committee Convener, said: “Protesters against the cabinet reshuffle will reassemble at the Ministry of Finance and set up camp in Church Square, Pretoria … on Monday … from 09h00”.
The new union federation said it was “resuming its campaign against corruption and the looting of state resources”.
“Saftu appeals to all workers and those appalled by the country’s descent into a kleptocracy to join the ongoing protest which will continue until the demand for the resignation of the President and the whole Cabinet has been met,” said Vavi.
Save South Africa, which is highly critical of Zuma and often calls for his removal as President, has also announced that it will participate in the protest at Church Square.
Meanwhile a social media campaign #BLACKMONDAY has asked South Africans to wear black clothes in protest against the “actions of the executive” in relation to the Cabinet reshuffle. The campaign is also calling on citizens to sign a petition.
“The time has come for all of us to unite behind the values enshrined in our Constitution,” #BLACKMONDAY says.
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