The recent job cuts announced by the Department of Corporate Governance are raising immediate concerns regarding the job security of community workers aged 55 and older. The Save South Africa movement highlights that these layoffs will not only affect the workers but will also strain the families that depend on their income. As many of these individuals are the primary earners in their households, the loss of income could lead to a significant negative impact on their family's financial health.
With over 225,000 jobs at risk, Save South Africa is pressing for immediate government action to reverse the decision. The organization has expressed its intention to engage with officials to demand that budget cuts be reconsidered and that financial resources be reallocated to preserve jobs for older workers. They argue that maintaining these positions is critical to preventing further unemployment and poverty in disadvantaged communities.
Mashan underscored the need to address wage issues as well as job security, highlighting the disparity between the government's minimum wage guidelines and what community workers currently earn. He emphasized that workers receiving only 800 rand monthly are not able to meet basic living costs and that government cuts will exacerbate their struggles. The Save South Africa movement advocates for fair wages and protection of jobs to enhance the dignity of all workers.
The Save South Africa civic movement has condemned a recent announcement by the Department of Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs, which threatens the contracts of over 225,000 community work program workers aged 55 and older. According to the movement, this decision is not only unfair but also increases the already high unemployment rate in the country. The National Communications Director of Save South Africa, Deo Mashan, emphasized that terminating jobs for this age group disproportionately impacts families who rely on these incomes for basic needs, especially as the new school year approaches. Mashan expressed concern that the decision undermines the dignity of older workers, many of whom are heads of households and critical to their family’s economic stability. "These individuals are often underpaid and unable to save, making their reliance on an income of 800 rand per month even more precarious. This move could leave many families in dire financial circumstances during a crucial time when they're preparing for school expenses, including uniforms and stationery for their children," he noted. In response to the abrupt job cuts, the Save South Africa movement is calling for the government to reconsider this decision, urging them to reverse the announcement and look for budget adjustments elsewhere. Mashan pointed out that reducing salaries for deputy ministers could free up funds to maintain the community work programs. He stated, "One deputy minister's salary could employ 125 community workers. We need to prioritize the well-being of our vulnerable communities rather than maintaining an oversized cabinet. This situation is a national disgrace as it puts the most disadvantaged further back into poverty," he lamented. The Save South Africa movement plans to reach out to government officials, including the Finance Minister, to advocate for these workers. Mashan reiterated their determination, asserting they will not rest until a fair resolution is achieved for those negatively affected by the job cuts. "Our goal is to meet with the minister and explore solutions that keep these workers employed while addressing budget concerns more ethically," he concluded.
