Solidarity of LAB trade union in the face of the riots of the last few days in South Africa

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In recent days serious riots have been taking place in several parts of South Africa in the context of the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma. The riots have resulted in the deaths of more than a hundred people and the destruction of streets and commercial areas.

In view of this situation, LAB wants to say the following:

• We send all our solidarity to the South African people who are suffering the violence and especially to the trade union central COSATU. At the same time we express our full support for its struggle in defence of the interests of the working class and popular sectors.
• Behind these riots are those sectors that, taking advantage of the difficult socio-economic situation in South Africa, are trying to provoke chaos in the country. However, this cannot cover up the country's complicated socio-economic situation, which has been further aggravated during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• South African working class is bearing the brunt of the pandemic and if the situation does not improve, not only will many workers lose their jobs, but many families will be left without the possibility of developing a decent livelihood.
• In this sense, socio-economic policies are needed to improve the working and living conditions of the South African people; because, the shortage of public services, corruption, unemployment and social inequalities could lead to an increase in political instability in the country. Nevertheless, the violence of the last few days is by no means justified and the destruction of various economic sectors is of no benefit to the South African people.
• LAB supports the fight against corruption in South Africa and therefore, we consider that the violence of those who wanted to provoke chaos in South Africa by taking advantage of the popular unrest in the context of the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma for corruption cases is intolerable.
• Finally, we hope that the situation will be brought under control as soon as possible by the strength that has shown the way of unity to overcome difficult times. LAB therefore sends to COSATU all of its support and solidarity and we convey to the South African people all our solidarity and support in the face of the socio-economic and pandemic situation that South Africa is going through.