FOREIGN

2,000 South African unions protest over minimum wage

Published

7 years ago

April 25, 2018

No fewer than 2,000 South African union members marched in Johannesburg in a nationwide protest on Wednesday against a proposed national minimum wage, presenting a test for new President Cyril Ramaphosa who champions the policy.The 20 rand (1.6 dollars) an hour minimum wage, which Ramaphosa sees as an important step to tackle labor instability and wage inequality, was approved by the cabinet in November and meant to be introduced on May 1.

Dissatisfaction over the minimum wage bill could delay implementation.

The new president, who replaced Jacob Zuma as president in February, has staked his reputation on revising a stuttering economy and rooting out corruption associated with Zuma’s nine scandal-plagued years in power.

The protests are the second major public show of discontent in South Africa within a week. Ramaphosa on Friday cut short a visit to a Commonwealth summit in Britain a day earlier to travel to the North West province where crowds have been protesting against poor public services.

The workers were marching several kilometers to the labor ministry offices in the commercial hub Johannesburg holding aloft placards, one of which read: ‘To hell with R20 per hour’.

“A minimum wage of 20 rand an hour is a spit in the face of the working class. Ramaphosa has sold out workers,” said Moses Modisane, a shop steward for the metal workers union NUMSA who works at an Anglo American mine near the city.
Supporters of the minimum wage say it will reduce inequality and stimulate economic growth as workers can spend more.

Critics say it could lead to increased unemployment, already at record highs, with some employers unable to afford higher wage bills.

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), which says it represents 30 unions with around 800,000 members, making it the second-largest trade union federation after COSATU, said its workers countrywide would take part in the protest.

“We want to send the strongest message to those who are selling us out,” SAFTU Secretary-General Zwelinzima Vavi told a crowd of workers.

“This is not a picnic … This is the day we have chosen to fight back. We are not giving up our lives for 20 rand an hour,” said Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, spokeswoman for NUMSA which represents metal workers in the automotive and engineering sectors.

The government’s spokeswoman Phumla Williams in a statement called for the workers to stage peaceful protest.

SAFTU, which was founded last year, says it was excluded from talks over the minimum wage and there was no meaningful consultation with workers.

The government says it held months of negotiations with unions and employers before the minimum wage was introduced.
COSATU, which is the country’s biggest union and forms part of the ruling alliance with the ANC, denounced the protest.

Guardian

Related Topics:Cyril Ramaphosa South Africa

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FOREIGN

World Number One Jannik Sinner Withdraws From The ATP Rolex Paris Masters 2024

Published

4 days ago

October 29, 2024

Reporter

Jannik Sinner withdraws from Paris Masters 2024 | fab.ng

Tournament organizers announced on Tuesday that world number one Jannik Sinner (23) will not participate in the Paris Masters indoor event due to health issues.

The 23-year-old tennis star, who secured his position as year-end world number one in mid-October, suffers from an “intestinal virus contracted before he arrived in Paris.” French player Arthur Cazaux has moved up from qualifying to take Sinner’s place in the tournament draw.

Cazaux will compete against either fellow Frenchman Corentin Moutet or American Ben Shelton in his second-round match on Tuesday.

Sinner now focuses on the upcoming Masters in Turin, scheduled for November 10-17, which will feature the year’s top eight players. The Italian champion plans to defend his country’s title at the Davis Cup finals the following week in Malaga, Spain.

This is not an easy announcement to make. My team and I arrived early to prepare as best as possible, but unfortunately, I started feeling unwell during training and saw the doctor on Sunday. It turns out I’ve come down with a virus. I’m feeling better now, but I’m still not… pic.twitter.com/TjE1a3KZQu

— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) October 29, 2024

The tennis star has dominated the 2024 season, claiming his first two Grand Slam victories at the Australian Open and the US Open. His impressive performance includes seven tournament wins since the season began, with three Masters 1000 titles in Miami, Cincinnati, and Shanghai.

Recent developments have cast a shadow over Sinner’s achievements, as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has filed an appeal that could result in his suspension. The doping case emerged several weeks ago and remains unresolved.

Sinner’s relationship with the Paris indoor tournament has proven complicated. Last year, he withdrew from the competition before his second match, establishing a pattern that continues with this year’s withdrawal.

This latest setback interrupts what has otherwise been a remarkable year for the young Italian player, who has firmly established himself among tennis’s elite competitors through his consistent performances and major tournament victories.

Get more sports news here.

FOREIGN

Award-Winning Actor James Earl Jones, Voice Of Darth Vader, Mufasa, Dies At 93

Published

2 months ago

September 10, 2024

Reporter

James Earl Jones, Voice Of Mufasa, Dies At 93 | fab.ng

Legendary American actor James Earl Jones has passed away at 93. The internet buzzed with the heartbreaking news late Monday, September 9, 2024. Reports indicated that he died that morning, surrounded by family at his home in upstate New York, as confirmed by his representatives to TMZ.

Born on January 17, 1931, Jones captivated audiences for decades with his iconic deep voice and presence. His long career in film, television, and theatre made him one of the most recognizable and respected actors in Hollywood. He gained widespread fame for voicing Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” franchise, King Jaffe Joffer in “Coming to America”, and Mufasa in Disney’s “The Lion King”.

James Earl Jones dead - the iconic Darth Vader, Mufasa voice actor was 93 | fab.ng

Jones also made a name for himself on stage, earning a Tony Award for his lead performance in “The Great White Hope”. He continued to shine in theatre with significant roles in plays like “Fences” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”. His contributions to television included appearances in series like “Roots” and “The Big Bang Theory”.

James Earl Jones was one of the few performers to achieve the coveted EGOT status. Also, he has won two Emmys, a Grammy, an Honorary Oscar, and three Tony Awards. His theatre career flourished with standout performances in “The Great White Hope” in 1969 and “Fences” in 1987. His voice became a staple in pop culture, even being featured in “The Simpsons” and early episodes of “Sesame Street”.

Jones also took on many iconic Shakespearean roles, including Othello and King Lear. Beyond acting, he served in the United States Army’s 75th Rangers Regiment, adding to his legacy as a dedicated and multi-talented individual.

James Earl Jones leaves behind a towering legacy in both the entertainment world and beyond. May he rest in perfect peace.

ENTERTAINMENT

John Cena Speaks On Not Wanting Children

Published

2 months ago

August 29, 2024

Reporter

John Cena speaks on not wanting children | fab.ng

American actor and professional wrestler John Cena has recently addressed his decision to remain child-free. During a recent interview on the Club Shay Shay show, he shared his thoughts. These thoughts are on why he – at the age of 47 – and his wife have chosen not to have children.

He said, “I don’t want kids, I’m 47 now and I don’t have them. Everyone asks if I want them and I have to tell you that it’s not the easiest out there because a lot of why we’re here is to reproduce.”

John Cena explained that despite the societal expectations and the natural desire to reproduce, he has made a different choice. He reflected on his own personality. Further, he emphasized that his personality does not align with the requirements of parenting.

“I have a certain curiosity about life and I also know the investment that it takes. My biggest fear is, as someone who’s driven, many times stubborn and selfish, I try to approach the world with kindness and curiosity but I don’t think I’m personally ready, nor will I ever be able to invest the time that it needs to be a great parent,” Cena explained.

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A post shared by Club Shay Shay (@clubshayshay)

He added, “I want to live life for all it is and I still have a lot to do, and I still want to do a lot and I have a wonderful partner to do it with. We have had open conversations about this and we share the same values.”

The professional wrestler, who announced his retirement in July, acknowledged the difficulties of discussing this personal choice. He emphasized his intention to continue pursuing his passions instead of having children.

“It’s a tough subject to talk about because it immediately puts you in a category and we can’t help but judge, human nature so we are all judgmental. I’d like to believe that I operate under the construction that everyone’s living their lives and I can tell him that I’ve thought long and hard about this since 15 and 16 years old,” he stressed.

He also emphasized that he and his wife were in agreement about not having children, even before they got married.

Watch the full interview below.