The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) fully supports the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) in its call for President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare the 27th of December 2022 as a public holiday in terms of section 2A of the Public Holidays.

The 25th of December 2022 is on Sunday and the Goodwill Days’ public holiday would fall on Monday the 26th. This means that workers would lose out on both holiday pay and rest time during this public holiday.

Workers whose workplaces will mainly be open during the festive season will not enjoy the Christmas holiday to its fullest if the government fails to issue such a Presidential Proclamation.  This is important for workers as the Christmas period is the only time when workers can travel home to rural areas and to spend time with their children and families after a long year’s hard work. 

Workers will equally struggle to find persons to look after their children if they are prematurely required to return to work a day early. The festive season with its public holidays is critical in the boosting the retail, tourism, travel and hospitality sectors and employment creation.

COSATU urges the President to follow the precedent set previously by then President Zuma, and declare the 27th of December 2022 as an additional once off public holiday in appreciation of the sacrifices workers have made in keeping the economy moving, rebuilding the economy, and carrying the nation on their shoulders over a very difficult year.

Issued by COSATU
 
Sizwe Pamla (Cosatu National Spokesperson)

Tel: 011 339 4911
Cell: 060 975 6794