COSATU sends stern warning to private companies that are against implementation of NHI

JOHANNESBURG - The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has sent a stern warning to private companies that are against the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI).

On Monday, COSATU held a nationwide demonstration to highlight issues currently facing workers in the country and to also mark World Day for Decent Work.

Since its inception, COSATU said it had been at the forefront of ensuring that workers were compensated fairly.

However, the union federation said it had little influence in shielding its members from the rising cost of living, such as medical care.

COSATU deputy president, Mike Shingange, said that the NHI would lessen the burden of medical costs.

"When people are sick, they must not be seen as a market for which profit must be made, and therefore the NHI is what we have fought for over 20 years. It is the only equaliser. It is one single measure that is transformative in this country."

COSATU submitted a memorandum of demands to Business Unity South Africa, requesting a dialogue on the implementation of the NHI.