The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), representing the aspirations of millions of workers and the poor across the country, approaches the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 6 February 2025 with deep concern and scepticism. This will be the first SONA under the so-called Government of National Unity (GNU)—an alliance between the neoliberal African National Congress (ANC) and the ultra-right-wing Democratic Alliance (DA).
SAFTU has consistently warned that the coming together of these two political forces would be a doomsday scenario for workers and the poor. We expect no fundamental changes to the failed economic programs that have reproduced unemployment, poverty, and inequality. Instead, we foresee a consolidation of neoliberal attacks on the working class, masked by empty rhetoric and hollow promises.
1. Austerity Measures: The Root of the Crisis
The GNU’s commitment to austerity measures has deepened the economic crisis. Budget cuts in healthcare, education, public safety, and other essential services have resulted in massive job losses, service delivery failures, and worsening poverty.
SAFTU demands the immediate reversal of austerity policies and a shift towards progressive fiscal measures that prioritize public investment and social welfare over the interests of capital.
2. Recall of the SANDF: End Militarization of Civilian Life
SAFTU is deeply concerned about the increasing militarization of civilian life through the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in response to social unrest and community issues. The government must recall the SANDF from civilian spaces and instead address the root causes of unrest—unemployment, poverty, and inequality.
The SANDF’s presence is a clear sign of a government that fears its people rather than serves them. Policing and military forces cannot replace meaningful social policies that address the needs of the poor and working class.
3. Action on Corruption and Governance: Hold the Powerful Accountable
The failure to act on corruption and poor governance remains a core issue undermining public trust. SAFTU demands:
• Full implementation of the Zondo Commission recommendations, including the prosecution of both public officials and private sector collaborators involved in state capture.
• Immediate action on corporate corruption and tax dodging schemes as exposed by Judge Dennis Davis, Thabo Mbeki, and the United Nations. The government must hold the wealthiest 1% accountable for illicit financial outflows and mispricing that rob South Africa of critical resources.
• Transparent governance reforms that restore accountability in state-owned enterprises like Denel, Eskom, and Transnet.
4. Living Wage and Fair Pay: End the Exploitation of Workers
South African workers continue to suffer from poverty wages and precarious employment conditions. SAFTU demands:
• The establishment of a living wage that allows workers to meet their basic needs and live with dignity.
• An end to exploitative labor practices such as labour broking, outsourcing, and casualization. The NUMSA Constitutional Court judgment must be fully implemented to ensure that all workers are treated fairly.
• Strengthening of collective bargaining structures and the protection of trade union rights to secure fair pay and decent working conditions across all sectors.
5. Uniform Absorption of Community Health Workers and Caregivers
SAFTU demands the uniform absorption of Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Community Caregivers (CCGs) across all provinces. The inconsistent treatment of these essential workers is unacceptable. Health care workers have been at the frontlines of serving our communities, and their contributions must be recognized with permanent employment and decent working conditions.
There must be no disparities between provinces—every CHW and CCG deserves equal recognition, pay, and job security.
6. Filling of Critical Public Service Vacancies
The government’s austerity measures have crippled public services by freezing critical vacancies in sectors that directly affect the lives of ordinary South Africans. SAFTU demands the immediate filling of vacant positions in:
• Public Education: Thousands of teaching posts remain unfilled, leaving overcrowded classrooms and under-supported learners.
• Healthcare: The shortage of nurses and healthcare professionals has overwhelmed the public health system, compromising patient care.
• Policing and Public Safety: Police vacancies have left communities vulnerable to crime, while the few officers available are overworked and under-resourced.
These vacancies are a direct result of austerity, and the failure to fill them deepens the crisis in public service delivery. SAFTU emphasizes that investing in public service employment is not just about creating jobs—it’s about ensuring the dignity and well-being of every South African.
7. Acknowledging Positive Government Stances Amidst Pressure
While we remain critical of the government’s neoliberal economic trajectory, SAFTU acknowledges that, even under pressure from the anti-transformation DA, the government has remained steadfast on several key issues:
• National Health Insurance (NHI): The commitment to the NHI is a step toward equitable healthcare for all South Africans.
• Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill: Efforts to reform the education system are crucial for addressing long-standing inequalities.
• Expropriation Act: The pursuit of land reform, even in the face of opposition, remains essential for redressing historical injustices.
• Support for Palestine: South Africa’s principled stance in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle reflects a commitment to international justice.
While these are important steps, they cannot be isolated from the broader economic and social crises. Without addressing the structural roots of inequality and austerity, these initiatives risk being undermined.
We Expect Empty Rhetoric, Not Solutions
We are under no illusions. The 2025 SONA will likely be filled with empty rhetoric, promises of isolated projects, and tokenistic gestures. The GNU will attempt to paint a picture of progress, but no real urgency will be shown to address the deepening crisis facing the majority of South Africans.
Without a complete overhaul of economic policy, the government will continue to sacrifice workers and the poor to maintain the illusion of stability. SAFTU will not stand by as this betrayal unfolds.
SAFTU’s Demands for SONA 2025:
1. An End to Austerity and Fiscal Consolidation: Immediate reversal of budget cuts in education, health, and public services.
2. Uniform Absorption of CHWs and CCGs: All provinces must provide equal, permanent employment for these critical workers.
3. Filling of Public Service Vacancies: Urgent hiring of teachers, nurses, and police to restore public service capacity.
4. Recall of the SANDF: End the militarization of civilian life and address the root causes of unrest.
5. Action on Corruption and Governance: Full implementation of the Zondo Commission recommendations and accountability for corporate tax dodging.
6. Living Wage and Fair Pay: Establish a living wage and end exploitative labor practices.
7. A Bold Industrialization Plan: State-led reindustrialization with investments in manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure.
8. Protection of Workers’ Rights: Ban on labor broking and precarious work, with the enforcement of fair wages and decent work conditions.
Conclusion: Mobilization in the Face of Betrayal
SAFTU reiterates the call made by the Labour School for a united front under the banner of “People Before Profits – Building a Front Against Austerity, the Water Crisis, and Privatisation.” This is not just a slogan—it is a call to action for all workers, communities, and progressive forces in South Africa.
We call for mass anti-austerity demonstrations in Cape Town on 19 February 2025 to send a clear message to the Government of National Unity: We will not stand idly by while neoliberal policies destroy our livelihoods, our communities, and our future.
While SAFTU may not be a formation with millions of members, it proudly represents the aspirations and struggles of millions of South Africans who are bearing the brunt of this economic and political betrayal.
SAFTU will continue to mobilize, organize, and fight back. If the GNU fails to deliver real solutions, we will intensify our campaigns through mass protests, strikes, and other forms of direct action. The time for cosmetic reforms is over. South Africa needs transformative change now.
