By Akani Nkuna
The SA Federation of Trade Unions has pulled out of the National Dialogue, reiterating concerns shared by several prominent foundations that it is not citizen-led.
SAFTU general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said the federation had hoped from the onset that the dialogue would centre on addressing issues of the working class and the downtrodden.
“We openly stated that we had no illusions that this process, as currently structured, would deliver the far-reaching transformation that workers and the poor so desperately need. Nevertheless, we participated in good faith, hoping to contribute to shaping a genuinely democratic and people-centred dialogue,” he said.
“However, the developments of recent weeks confirm our worst fears: the government is steaming ahead with a process that is increasingly resembling a government-controlled imbizo, rather than the citizen-driven, inclusive and transparent process envisioned by the foundations and reaffirmed in Saftu’s own position.”
Several prominent foundations, notably Thabo Mbeki, Steve Biko and FW de Klerk, some civil society groups and three political parties have withdrawn from the dialogue, citing organisational inadequacy and ballooned costs.
Many of them have also accused the ANC of trying to impose its will and policies on what should be a citizen-led process.
Vavi noted that ignoring the criticism raised by the aggrieved stakeholders would jeopardise the credibility of the event.
He also said that continuing under this environment would constitute a betrayal to ordinary South Africans by legitimising a “hallow exercise” which was not equipped to address their economic, political and social ills.
“The concerns raised, including the lack of genuine participation by civil society, the absence of transparency, the side-lining of grassroots voices and the government’s dominance over the agenda fundamentally undermine the credibility and legitimacy of the Dialogue,” Vavi said.
SAFTU said its withdrawal from the dialogue would stand until the process was restructured to ensure that it was genuinely citizen-led and inclusive.
“The working class deserves more than political theatre — it deserves a process that is anchored in the lived realities, struggles and aspirations of the people. Until then, Saftu will stand with those who refuse to legitimise a flawed and exclusionary process,” he said.
INSIDE POLITICS