Sandile Ndlovu writes for TimesLIVE that the days when obtaining a government job was the pinnacle of achievement or big financial triumph are long gone, if the recent complaints and screams of government employees and those working in state-owned businesses are any indication. The article further states that workers at Transnet have gone on strike, stating that managers take all the money and perks for themselves while subordinates get nothing but the scraps. The Public Service Association (PSA) said on Wednesday that its 235,000 members had rejected the government’s wage rise offer of 5% and would shortly join the strike. (TimesLIVE, for subscribers)
Transnet strike shows need for infrastructure to be privatised
According to Andries Mahlungu and Thando Maeko’s article (“Transnet talks deadlock despite minister’s intervention over strike”), the Transnet strike reveals three things: the damaging nature of strikes, the greed of unions, and the necessity to privatise infrastructure. The strike is disastrous for SA’s mining sector which generates an income and is key to the South African economy. Strikes have shut down ports, railways, and pipelines, halting production. Furthermore, the globe is experiencing a severe financial crisis, cost prices are rising, and unemployment is at record highs. (Business Day)
Here’s what else we’re reading today:
The 3 options facing the ANC: Renew, transform… or die – News24
‘A national security threat’: Expert on delay in appointing heads to IEC & IGI – News24 (for subscribers)
These are not the best of times for Africa – World Bank economist – Daily Maverick
Industry buy-in needed for global energy transition – BusinessLIVE
Only a credible probe will resolve the UCT turmoil – BusinessLIVE
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