Cosatu President doesn’t believe federation’s members shunned May Day celebrations and Ramaphosa

Cosatu president Zingisa Losi says she doesn’t believe that the federation’s members shunned the May Day celebrations and African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa had to abandon the main event at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium outside Rustenburg in the North West on Sunday.

Proceedings descended into chaos when scuffles broke out at the stadium.

Mineworkers from Sibanye Stillwater disrupted proceedings wanting Ramaphosa to address them regarding their strike for a R1000 salary increase.

Losi says there were members who were listening to the speeches.

“We are not disputing the fact that there were those who that were singing, hence they said that their issues are issues relating to Sibanye. At the same time, we have acknowledged that the May Day commemoration is the day of reflection. Part of what we were reflecting on is to acknowledge what we have attained, but also acknowledge the shortcomings, especially during this period of COVID. It has been a difficult two and half years for workers when they have lost wages, whilst big companies and big managers are pocketing millions of rands a month when workers are earning starving wages.”

Worker’s Day | May Day celebrations descended into chaos: Cosatu President Zingiswa Losi

May Day celebrations chaos

The ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa abandoned Cosatu’s May Day celebrations as Cosatu’s main May Day celebrations had descended into chaos after a scuffle broke out at the Stadium.

Hundreds of National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) affiliated Sibanye workers have been on strike for almost two months, demanding a R1000 salary increase. The employer is only offering R800. Striking Sibanye Stillwater mineworkers were demanding that Ramaphosa address their issues.

President Ramaphosa had to address them and assured to raise their concerns.