The Save South Africa Movement has lauded Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa's decision to reverse plans to terminate the contracts of 67,000 Community Work Programme (CWP) employees.
The initial announcement, made via a circular on 24 December 2024, proposed ending contracts for workers aged 55 and above, sparking widespread condemnation as irrational, irresponsible, and inhumane.
The CWP, a government initiative providing temporary employment, serves as a crucial safety net in South Africa’s challenging economic climate, characterised by persistently high unemployment. Save South Africa swiftly responded to the initial announcement.
"Upon learning of this decision, we immediately wrote to the minister, issued a public statement condemning the action, and launched widespread campaigns against it. Many South Africans, particularly those in vulnerable communities, joined us in condemning this move," the organisation stated.
While awaiting a formal meeting with Minister Hlabisa, Save South Africa mobilised its supporters, staging a protest outside the minister’s office on 23 January. This demonstration underscored the urgency and seriousness with which the organisation viewed the potential job losses.
Despite welcoming the reversal of the job cuts, Save South Africa expressed significant disappointment in the minister's handling of the situation. The organisation's statement continued: "As much as we do not fight for credit, the minister’s attempts to avoid engagement with our organisation were disheartening. Instead, he chose to negotiate with groups that lack the courage to speak truth to power.”
The movement did not mince its words in criticising Minister Hlabisa's conduct, urging him to prioritise the needs of the poor. "We must state unapologetically that Minister Hlabisa has fallen short of expectations. He must correct his mistakes and stand on the side of the marginalised. Failure to do so will result in Save South Africa declaring him an enemy of the poor," the statement declared.
Looking ahead, Save South Africa has outlined demands for significant restructuring of the CWP to better support its workers.
"We demand that community workers’ salaries meet or exceed the national minimum wage, as dictated by law. Additionally, the CWP must be formalised, with clear mandates for workers to ensure fairness and transparency," the organisation emphasised.
These demands highlight the need for not only job security but also fair compensation and improved working conditions for those employed within the programme. The movement's actions demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that the CWP effectively serves its intended purpose: providing a vital safety net for vulnerable South Africans.
