Protesters hand memo to MEC

2008-07-23 15:52

Johannesburg - A second memorandum was handed to MEC for local government Qedani Mahlangu by Congress of SA Trade Union members protesting over rising prices in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Cosatu's Gauteng secretary Siphiwe Mgcina delivered the document, saying he hoped the government would communicate with the union federation's leaders to find a lasting resolution to the electricity crisis.

"On behalf of government I have taken the memorandum so that we can evaluate it and find a solution," said Mahlangu.

She thanked marchers for their peaceful behaviour throughout the day and said the government would meet Cosatu before the national stayaway on August 6.

Cosatu president S'dumo Dlamini said marchers turned out in numbers in response to "the war declared by capitalists".

'Johannesburg can stand still'

"They (capitalists) were driven by the desire to privatise Eskom, therefore the streets of Johannesburg can just stand still," he said.

Dlamini said workers and the poor should not suffer because of Eskom, and blamed the company for the retrenchments of miners.

He said those responsible for high food prices should be criminally charged, labelling them as greedy.

Earlier a memorandum of demands was given to Eskom.

"We know the increase in electricity prices has affected the working class and we are working with stakeholders to minimise the effect," Hugh McGibbon, Eskom's general manager in the central region, told some 25 000 protesters.

The march was part of mass action in Johannesburg, the Eastern Cape, North West and Limpopo against rising electricity and food prices.

"The memorandum is about serious issues and we will treat it seriously," McGibbon said as protesters chanted "no to electricity hikes", referring to a 27.5% increase in Eskom tariffs.

Alternative energy sources

The document detailed demands, including that workers not be retrenched as a result of power cuts. It also called on the government to invest in the development of alternative energy sources.

Earlier, Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said: "Together we have formed a broad coalition of organisations prepared to register their disgust at the spiralling cost of living affecting people."

He said those who complained about disruptions in the city centre should be thankful that there was a solid trade union movement that could organise workers in a disciplined way.

Dressed in red t-shirts and caps, Cosatu members held placards reading "Away with food prices" and "Away with high fuel prices".

Entrepreneurs were selling food and vuvuzelas to the group. The march was expected to see road closures in the city until 15:00.

- SAPA