Proof That SA Labour Deserves Better L20 Representation

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes the press release by the Congress of South African Trade Unions’ (COSATU) parliamentary coordinator, Matthew Parks, which reads more as a personal grievance with myself and a tirade against organised labour that does not vote ANC, than any meaningful contribution to labour reform in South Africa, especially as it pertains to Labour20 (L20) as a key working group as part of South Africa’s G20 presidency.

Contrary to Mr Park’s assertions, COSATU no longer holds the monopoly over labour representation in South Africa. Furthermore, COSATU cannot continue to hide behind the 1995 Nedlac Act as some form of holy scripture on labour. The Act was crafted in a world where COSATU had the political muscle to dictate terms. It now languishes on the periphery of political relevance as it protects the interests of a dwindling pool of state employees.

The reality is that with its shrinking membership and lack of potency, evident in the ANC’s immense electoral loss last year, COSATU is a shadow of its former self. Today COSATU has been reduced to one of the fringe labour organisations that Mr Parks references and has no sole right to speak on behalf of South African labour, including the millions of private sector employees from whom COSATU members extract their taxpayer-funded salaries.

The DA believes in an inclusive labour environment where all stakeholders, not just COSATU and its ANC allies, have a say in worker relations and the labour regime. As a result, I have submitted my letter to Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Ronald Lamola last night, urging him to open up L20 to all interested labour organisations and workers’ bodies. We as the DA believe in protecting the rights of the unemployed to access jobs and opportunities, not protecting the interests of a tiny elite grouping of state employees and the waning influence of COSATU.

While Mr Parks and COSATU may see it fit to attack members of parliament on their age and question our grasp of South African history and current affairs, we do know better than to lower ourselves to the immature and insecure mudslinging employed by Mr Parks in his engagement. The irony of Mr Parks’ assertions of my ‘juvenile’ behaviour, expressed in nothing more than a written temper tantrum, is certainly not lost on me. This only serves as proof that South African labour deserves far better representation.

I understand that COSATU may struggle to understand that young South Africans and parliamentarians can have diverse and detailed career trajectories when its members are mostly elite civil servants, 30 000 of whom earn more than R1-million a year from the taxpayer. It is, however, very flattering to be the ‘inconsequential’ MP that COSATU cannot stop talking about.

The truth is that COSATU is panicking because their monopoly on labour representation is rightfully being challenged. COSATU’s outdated grip on South Africa’s workforce is crumbling, and they know it. This is the reality with which COSATU and Mr Parks must now grapple. Unfortunately, Matthew Parks’ press release only exposed what millions of South Africans already know: COSATU is more interested in protecting itself than growing the economy and creating jobs for the South African people.

Regards

Ryan Smith MP
DA Deputy Spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)