Vavi says nonstriking workers will not be intimidated

South African Federation of Trade Union (Saftu) general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi has condemned calls for violence during the union’s nationwide strike today in protest against the basic minimum wage of R20 an hour.

EWN reports that the union’s general secretary further said workers who chose to not take part in the strike would not be intimidated.

“A lot of times people who call their managers to make such claims when they don’t even exist, are trying to find an excuse so that they’re not disciplined or to be seen to be part of the action that was protesting in defence of their rights. So they would likely create nonexisting stories, that they are being intimidated when they are participating in the strike,” Vavi is quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department has cautioned motorists to steer clear of the central business district as thousands of workers are expected to take part in a nationwide strike called by Saftu.

The department’s spokesperson said the road closures are meant to make way for an expected protest march commencing from Newtown Precinct Park.

On Monday, the government issued a statement cautioning protesters to conduct themselves in a responsible manner.

“The right to assemble and to protest in order to advance a particular cause is enshrined in the South African constitution. However, it also equally caters for protesters to conduct themselves in a responsible manner. Peaceful protests are quintessentially a characteristic of a strengthened democratic and progressive society.

“We call on all those participating in the marches across the various provinces to refrain from violence, destruction of property and intimidation. The rights of people who do not want to participate in the marches must be respected,” acting government Communication and Information Systems director-general Phumla Williams said.

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