Nawusa to march for job creation initiatives

By Zama Mpondwana

EAST LONDON -- The National Workers' Union of South Africa (Nawusa) will march from Umtata City Hall to the central police station today to express its demands for the development of the Transkei region.

Speaking from Johannesburg, union general secretary Vusi Juta said a Labour Department representative would be at the police station to receive the union's memorandum.

The union is demanding that the government set up a conducive environment in the former homeland for job creation.

"We will be addressing the issue of the Cala road, which needs to be developed in order to create jobs and boost the development of that town.

"We also need to know from the government why Radio Transkei was closed while Radio Ciskei is still in operating."

Juta said jobs had been lost through the closure of Radio Transkei, but some staff members had been absorbed by Umhlobo Wenene FM.

He said developing Umtata Airport to the same level as East London Airport could create a number of jobs.

Nawusa will also be demanding the reopening of the Indwe coal mine and Ncora Irrigation Scheme, as well as amendments to the Labour Relations Act.