Growing calls for Ramaphosa to keep DA away from Employment and Labour Ministry

JOHANNESBURG - There are growing calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to keep the Democratic Alliance (DA) away from the Employment and Labour Ministry.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)  and the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) said that the party poses a threat to the interests of the working class.

For the first time since the late 90s, the South African cabinet will comprise of ministers from different political parties.

Just over a month ago, DA leader John Steenhuisen led a picket outside COSATU’s offices in Johannesburg, demonstrating against the national minimum wage.

The party instead proposes what it calls the youth employment opportunity certificate, which it says will get young people into work without the constraints of the minimum wage of R27,58 cents per hour.

But SAFTU spokesperson, Trevor Shaku said that the DA’s unrealistic policy reforms will leave millions of South Africans destitute.

“Somehow, they think lowering the cost of labour is going to incentivise businesses to hire people. As a result, they are constantly attacking the national minimum wage.”

COSATU has expressed similar views, insisting a DA minister of employment and labour would undo the gains of the ANC government.