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Strike threat hits SONA

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Parliament has been hit by a double whammy which threatens to disrupt President Jacob Zuma’s state-of-the-nation speech on Thursday. Striking Parliamentary staffers have threatened to withdraw protection services during the SONA unless demands for better working conditions are met.

THE National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) members want management finalise issues agreed on last year.

Nehawu chairperson Sthembiso Ntembhe says, “ The resolution of the general council meeting now is that we are going to withdraw our voluntary services in the SONA. it means that those comrades who are working as ushers, those comrades who are working in the choir and other comrades who participating in different arrangements of the SONA are not going to participate. you know security personnel are Nehawu members. They are Nehawu members. once we take a resolution it abides everybody. all union members they were there. May by there could be security outside as well like police.”

Meanwhile, At least two political parties are boycotting President Jacob Zuma’s state-of-the-nation dinner.

Parliament says they have received letters from the DA and Cope, cancelling their attendance. Deidre Carter of COPE says any person with a conscience will not be part of such a wasteful event while millions of South African are living in poverty.

National Council of Provinces Deputy chairperson Papi Tau says the DA is playing politics and should be held accountable for its last-minute cancellation.

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