The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU)fully supports calls by other labour formations for immediate government intervention and puts forward the following non-negotiable demands:
1. Immediate Scrapping of the Fuel Levy
Fuel prices are a key driver of inflation. Government must:
- Scrap the General Fuel Levy and RAF Levy immediately
- Introduce price controls and public regulation of fuel pricing.
2. Introduction of a Universal Basic Income Grant of at least R1500 - Immediate implementation of a R1500 universal grant
- Replace the inadequate SRD grant
- Ensure automatic inclusion of all unemployed adults.
3. Mass Food Security Intervention
In line with SAFTU’s submission to the SAHRC: - Legislation to ban the destruction and wastage of food by retailers and agribusiness
- Mandatory redistribution of unsold edible food
- Expansion of school nutrition programmes to cover all learners.
4. Price Controls on Basic Goods - Introduce price caps on essential food items and transport costs
- Strengthen the Competition Commission to act against profiteering.
5. Solidarity Tax on the Super-Rich
- Introduce a wealth tax and windfall taxes on corporations benefiting from crisis conditions
- Redirect these resources toward social protection and public services
6. Expansion of Public Services
- Reverse austerity and fill all critical vacancies in health, education, policing, and social services
- Increase funding for municipalities to ensure delivery of water, electricity, and sanitation
7. Public Ownership and Strategic Control - Strengthen public control over energy, transport, and food systems
- End reliance on private monopolies that profiteer during crises
8. Protection of Jobs and Industry
- Introduce emergency measures to protect local industry from import surges and dumping
- Halt factory closures and support reindustrialisation
LESSONS FROM THE GLOBAL RESPONSE
The World Bank report clearly shows that governments across the world are:
- Subsidising fuel and energy costs
- Expanding cash transfers
- Introducing tax cuts and price controls
Yet in South Africa, the government continues to: - Defend austerity
- Protect corporate profits
- Refuse meaningful redistribution
This is a political choice, not an economic necessity.
SAFTU calls on all affiliates, workers, community organisations, and progressive forces to:
- Unite in mass mobilisation against austerity and the cost-of-living crisis
- Build a broad front for food security, jobs, and social protection
- Prepare for national action under the banner:
“People Before Profits: No to Hunger, No to Austerity!”
This war is exposing the brutality of a global system that protects profits while condemning billions to poverty.
South Africa cannot respond with half-measures.
We need decisive, redistributive, pro-worker policies now.
The working class must not be made to pay for a crisis it did not create.
A statement was issued on behalf of SAFTU by the General Secretary, Zwelinzima. Vavi.
For media inquiries, contact the National Spokesperson at
Newton Masuku
newtonm@saftu.org.za
0661682157
Media Officer
Asive Dyani
0719019564
