Durban — The National Freedom Party (NFP) has called for a speedy resolution to the ongoing strike at state-owned Transnet, which has effectively shut down South Africa’s ports.
According to the NFP, the prolonged shutdown will have a negative effect on the supply of groceries at some chain stores and fuel at some petrol stations.
NFP MP Shaik Emam said Transnet was also suffering major losses for every day it was shut down.
He added that this could result in the state-owned entity possibly requiring a bail-out in the next financial year to stabilise its finances.
“We are tethering on the verge of a crisis. If this strike continues, we have the potential of having food and petrol shortages, which could effectively grind our economy to a halt. This coupled with more load shedding, could be disastrous.
“The ripple effect of a prolonged strike on our economy will be dire. It could result in Transnet needing a bail-out from the government. This will put an immeasurable stain on our budget, and possibly divert funds from essential services,” said Emam.
He further stated that while the NFP affirmed the rights of workers to strike, it was deeply concerned about the effect it would have on the rest of the country.
Emam said, therefore, the NFP was calling for an immediate end to the strike and affirmed the position of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), which has urged the striking unions to make a compromise with the employer to ensure that the economy is not crippled by the strike action.
“We are also concerned by reports that because Eskom has a reliance on diesel, a prolonged strike could lead to disruptions in fuel imports, which would likely result in more load shedding. Collectively this could cripple our economy. This is why urgent action is needed. Perhaps it is time (Public Enterprises) Minister Pravin Gordhan intervenes,” said Emam.
This comes as the Transnet workers have been on strike for over a week now with the unions calling for an offer in line with the cost of living.
Transport union Satawu has been holding out for an increase that is above the inflation rate of 7.6% after its initial demand of a hike of between 12% and 13.5%.
Daily News