More than 300 South African Post Office (SAPO) workers and supporters marched to the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies in Pretoria on Wednesday. They were complaining about retrenchments and low salaries.
The workers marched from the inner city to Hatfield under the banners of the Communication Workers Union, the Democratic Postal and Communication Union (DEPACU) and the South African Postal Workers Union. The general secretary of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), Zwelinzima Vavi, joined the march on Stanza Bopape Street and was welcomed with ululation.
SAPO was placed under business rescue in July 2023 and the process has not yet been concluded.
Postman Stevens Ramakgwakgwa said his salary was last increased in 2016. He said he earns R10,700 per month from which medical aid, provident fund, and UIF are deducted. He said he has been working as a postman for over 14 years. “I’m a father of four children and I cannot support them with my little salary,” he said.
“The cost of living is very high. Prices of food and taxi fares will go up as a result of the increase of fuel prices.”
A memorandum of demands was read out by the general secretary of DEPACU, Kodisang Bokaba.
He said SAPO had been under business rescue for too long while workers suffered. “Critical branches continue to be closed, particularly in rural areas and townships,” he said.
Addressing the workers, Vavi said: “The Post Office has been made to fail by the people who have collapsed it. This is because they don’t care any more about the critical services that you provide to ordinary people, the working class and rural areas. They have private postal services.”
“We are returning to this department to make another passionate plea,” said Vavi.
The memorandum included demands for wage increases, consultation with unions on restructuring, the appointment of a board of directors, and timelines to end the business rescue process.
The memorandum was accepted by the director-general of the department , Nonqubela Jordan-Dyani. She promised a response within seven working days.
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Lack of participation in governance: Limited opportunities for citizens to participate in decision-making.
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