Deputy President Mashatile Urges Labour Union Leaders Not To Fear GNU

Deputy President Paul Mashatile on Tuesday urged labor union leaders not to fear the Government of National Unity (GNU), acknowledging concerns that the new government might include those who do not prioritize workers' interests and could undo the progress workers have made.

Mashatile assured them that the government is committed to supporting workers. He explained that the GNU is a team in the Cabinet, appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. He clarified that ministers must follow the government's agreed priorities and cannot bring their policies.

During a keynote address at the annual Nedlac Organised Labour School in Pretoria, Mashatile said while ministers can discuss their party's policies, they must work according to the government's priorities.

He told labor leaders that workers' rights would be protected, even under the GNU, and encouraged them not to worry. "Workers' rights will always be protected even in the GNU. Please sleep peacefully at night," he said, SA News reported.

Mashatile emphasized the importance of preserving the achievements made over the past 30 years and continuing to defend them. He outlined the key policy priorities of the GNU, which include fostering an inclusive economy, lowering the cost of living, and building a capable and ethical state.

He also mentioned the need for ongoing collaboration with labor, business, and civil society to achieve these goals, similar to the partnerships established through NEDLAC (National Economic Development and Labour Council).

The Nedlac Organised Labour School, held annually, is an opportunity to assess the current state of the labor market and the challenges workers face in the country.

The conference room was filled with delegations from various labor federations, guests from the International Labour Organization, and representatives from government departments.

Union leaders raised important issues such as defending progressive policies, improving collaboration with local governments, and addressing funding challenges and corruption.

The deputy president announced that the government will host the National Dialogue to learn from the past and plan for the future beyond the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030. The dialogue will coincide with South Africa's 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, a document that has shaped the country's policies.

Mashatile said that organized labor's role in this process is to offer creative solutions to strengthen the economy, promote social unity, and improve governance, with a focus on workers' needs.

Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa slammed critics and reaffirmed GNU's commitment to succeed despite differing ideologies and South Africa's challenges. He noted that the GNU was formed to rebuild the nation and emphasized the importance of setting aside differences to work together for the common good.