COSATU Strike and Its Implications for South Africa’s Business Environment
06 Oct 2024
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is currently facing criticism from the business community over a strike certificate issued nearly seven years ago. Granted in August 2017, this certificate addressed concerns about "weak economic growth" and "increasing job cuts." COSATU has since leveraged it for several strikes, including the nationwide protest taking place today, October 7, 2024.
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) disagrees with COSATU's use of this outdated certificate, arguing that it represents a "misuse" of strike action that could harm the economy. BUSA is advocating for legal changes to require that strike approvals be renewed every 12 months, emphasising that the reasons for protests should be current and relevant. This debate may have broader implications for future demonstrations, raising questions about the legitimacy and sustainability of ongoing labour actions.
While today’s COSATU protest highlights pressing worker issues like rising unemployment and the escalating cost of living, it also highlights the wider challenges of social unrest in South Africa. From July to September 2024, the country experienced 918 incidents of social unrest, including 813 protests and 27 strikes. Although this figure is significant, it indicates an 18% decrease compared to the previous year, suggesting shifting dynamics in the country’s social tensions.
In light of this unrest, businesses must have strong security and crisis response plans in place. Historical events, such as the Marikana strike in 2012, remind us how quickly protests can escalate, impacting not only local businesses but also societal stability as a whole.
To address these challenges, Excellerate Services has established a Special Operations Unit that provides specialised protection for businesses. This unit prioritises proactive strategies and offers a range of services, including Tactical Response, Intervention and Riot Control, Armed Escorting for High-value Assets, and a K9 Unit. We have also partnered with organisations like the Centre for Risk Analysis, and TopicWorx to help clients stay ahead of potential threats. As Managing Director Adriaan Otto remarks, “The strength of our intelligence partnerships ensures we’re always informed and ready to respond to both current and emerging challenges facing our clients.”
As the national strike unfolds, businesses need to remain vigilant, adaptable, and forward-thinking. Comprehensive security solutions grounded in timely intelligence empower companies to navigate South Africa’s complex and often unpredictable environment with confidence. By investing in such strategies, businesses can safeguard their operations, protect their people, and maintain resilience amid ongoing social challenges.
Overall, the actions of COSATU and the responses from the business community illustrate the ongoing struggle to balance worker’s rights with economic stability. As the situation develops, all stakeholders must engage in open discussions to address the root causes of unrest while promoting a collaborative environment for economic growth.
Sources: TopicWorx, News24