Government welcomes the call by the PSCBC for all parties involved in the public service wage negotiations to return to the bargaining council to continue with negotiations.
While we welcome the return to the bargaining council by unions that had initially opted to stay out of the ongoing negotiations, the government is concerned about protests that are currently ongoing in the Country and are taking on a nature that is not reflective of defending democracy and human rights.
Whilst the right to protest is guaranteed in the Constitution, it has to be done so within the confines of the law. Any deviation from the law, such as illegal protests, destruction of property, infringement of the rights of others, intimidation, violence, and damage to infrastructure, amongst others are viewed as criminal activities.
The government condemned the disruptive actions displayed yesterday and continuing today by some members of trade unions at some health and other government facilities around the country, which affected access to urgently required health care by citizens whose right to life and health is constitutional.
Government reiterates that no one has the authority to block anyone from accessing healthcare and other government facilities in the country. The right to have access to healthcare services is a basic human right guaranteed by the Constitution. The government acknowledges the right of labour to raise their concerns, however, the infringement on the basic human right goes against the law and will not be tolerated.
Government calls upon all parties to remain committed to the process of the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council Collective Agreement to arrive at a solution that serves the best interests of the country.
It is well known that if protests remain non-violent, they can extend democracy. The government acknowledges that protests are at the core of democratic consciousness; however, they must be within the confines of the law. Government is alive of the challenges affecting society; however, we cannot use violence to make our voices heard. Our democracy offers many avenues for people or communities to address any grievance. All stakeholders involved are urged to engage in discussion and resolve issues peacefully.
The principle of no work no pay will apply to public servants taking part in the strike during working hours.
Source: Government of South Africa