The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Gauteng is waiting in anticipation for the Provincial Budget Speech to be tabled by the MEC for Finance Jacob Mamabolo on 09 March 2023.

The workers and the working class are hard hit by the rate of unemployment, retrenchment and dismissals, while their conditions of employment are down-variated and undermined deliberately on a daily basis.

The province is expecting the MEC to address the following, drawing from the State of the Province Address delivered on the 20th of February 2023 and the 2022 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement.

* The Reduction of the Unemployment Rate
* The way to settle and reconcile the 30% on e-tolling System. 
* A budget towards Pharmaceutical Companies
* A budget towards the state bank
* Energy challenges in the province
*Crime, Gender Based Violence, Corruption
*Health Sector
*Improved services of municipalities
*Township Economy
*Gender Based Violence

While being cognizant of the magnitude of the challenges in the health care sector, it is important that a pharmaceutical company is established as this will help improve and better the quality of the public health system. It must be noted that total dependency on foreign companies makes us vulnerable to financial deficits. The pharmaceutical industry is the fifth highest importing deficit in the country’s current account. A country that does not have quality health expectations will also not be able to provide a reasonable life expectancy and viable workforce.

A state-owned bank will play a major role in the in the growth of the economy as it will be able to fund those who cannot afford to have a bank account. It will also enhance the growth of Township Economies where businesses will be able to function freely. It will also increase job creation in the long run.

The lives of workers and the working-class remain at risk in relation to security and safety measures that are so weakened time in and time out.

We therefore call upon the provincial government to ensure that these enterprises are established in order to benefit the livelihoods of the working class as well as increase the level of economic output in the nation.

Issued by COSATU Gauteng

Provincial Chairperson: Amos Monyela

079 493 5002

Provincial Secretary: Louisah Modikwe

082 297 2659