2008/07/26
THOUSANDS of Eastern Cape workers yesterday joined the Cosatu protests against rising electricity and food prices.
In East London, about 8000 workers, some carrying posters saying “government must protect poor consumers”, gathered at North End Stadium.
Addressing the marchers, National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union president Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya said the strike was called because workers were unhappy with the rising costs of food and electricity. They were already battling poverty, unemployment and HIV/Aids.
“We must send a loud message to the government and businesses … enough is enough.”
The marchers went along Oxford Street to the Border-Kei Chamber of Business offices in Southernwood, where they handed over two memorandums to chamber and Eskom representatives.
Chamber executive director Les Holbrook said their members were also concerned about the country’s electricity problems and felt that more needed to be done. “I agree with you – there’s a need to find alternative energy solutions.”
Commenting on food prices, he said there were a number of factors that contributed to rising costs, including escalating interest rates and the petrol price.
Local taxi associations also supported the march by refusing to work and many people were left stranded, especially in areas like Mdantsane and Duncan Village.
“I don’t think that this is going to help to bring down the prices,” said one commuter, Lizo Ngalo. “I can’t afford not to go to work because I am a breadwinner and I don’t want to lose my job.”
Police spokesperson Superintendent Mtati Tana said the march was peaceful and no criminal activities were reported.
In Mthatha, traffic came to a standstill on Nelson Mandela Drive, and Owen, Sutherland and Madeira streets, as thousands of marchers took to the streets.
The protest started at Mthatha’s Freedom Square and ended at PRD Building, where the marchers handed over a memorandum to Ludomo James, an Eskom representative.
March organiser Siyabonga Gashe said more than 5000 took part in the protest.
“Members came from all the towns in the OR Tambo district, and I can say this has been a very successful march.”
By VUYOLWETHU SANGOTSHA and MALUNGELO BOOI
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