Hon Speaker, the IFP has noted with grief and concern that a new tendency has been established in South Africa. The labour union fraternity is engaging in acts of intimidation and violence. The latest strike by Samwu is a primary example of a union overstepping the line and overestimating its rights.
This particular illegal strike started three days after the dismissal of seven of their shop stewards from Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality on 26 May 2010. On 12 March 2011, the above-mentioned shop stewards illegally assaulted a presiding officer during a disciplinary hearing. It happened when the council meeting was violently disrupted by the unions.
Cosatu and ANC-affiliated trade unions are gradually exposing themselves as vigilante groups with no regard for others. It is clear to the IFP that the ANC has lost its leadership role in terms of its relationship with its alliance partners. Therefore, it is being disregarded by unions acting in such a destructive manner. The IFP condemns what has been caused by Samwu, and the ANC's inability to call its alliance partners to order. I thank you.