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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Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez Officially Finalise Divorce Settlement 2 Years After Marriage

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Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez Finalise Divorce Settlement | fab.ng

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck will finalise their divorce on February 20, 2025, following a mutual agreement confirmed in court documents obtained by E!

News on January 6. The couple reached an amicable settlement that allows each party to retain their individual earnings from their two-year marriage, with no spousal support requirements.

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The settlement stipulates that Lopez will revert to her maiden name after previously changing it to Affleck during their marriage. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez agreed to the terms without dispute.

Their relationship history spans over two decades, beginning on the set of their film “Gigil” in 2002. At that time, Lopez was married to her second husband, Cris Judd. Following her divorce from Judd in 2003, Lopez and Affleck publicly announced their relationship.

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The 55-year-old Lopez and 52-year-old Affleck’s divorce proceedings concluded a relationship that garnered significant public attention.

This is throughout its various phases, from their initial meeting in 2002 to their reunion and subsequent marriage in 2022.

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FOREIGN

Beyoncé Achieves Historic Milestone As Most Certified Female Artist

Published

1 month ago

December 19, 2024

Reporter

Beyoncé is most RIAA certified female artist of all time | fab.ng

Renowned singer Beyoncé has solidified her position as the most certified female artist of all time, a distinction bestowed upon her by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Her recent surge in song certifications has propelled her to an impressive total of 103 RIAA-certified titles, surpassing all other female artists in this category.

The RIAA celebrated this monumental achievement in a post on X on Tuesday.

“Crowning achievement! Congratulations to @Beyonce, who now holds the record for the most certified titles for a female artist in RIAA history, including her first two Diamond singles! @parkwood @columbiarecords,” RIAA announced in a post on X on Tuesday.

👑 Crowning achievement! Congratulations to @Beyonce, who now holds the record for the most certified titles for a female artist in RIAA history, including her first two Diamond singles! 💎🐝✨ @parkwood @columbiarecords pic.twitter.com/L86gwGkzQN

— RIAA (@RIAA) December 17, 2024

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2 months ago

December 4, 2024

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Gladiator II is Denzel Washington's Most Successful Movie | fab.ng

Gladiator II has become the highest-grossing film of Ridley Scott’s career. The movie features the legendary actor Denzel Washington.

Known as one of Hollywood’s most respected figures, Washington has built an extraordinary career filled with iconic performances and critical acclaim.

His influence extends far beyond Hollywood, earning him global admiration. However, despite his illustrious career, Washington has not always been the first name associated with record-breaking box office success compared to some of his contemporaries.

His recent collaboration with Ridley Scott has now changed that narrative. Gladiator II has shattered expectations, becoming Washington’s highest-grossing film worldwide.

The movie has earned an impressive $320.2 million globally. This surpasses his previous record-holder, American Gangster, which grossed $267.9 million.

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However, this record may soon be eclipsed by Gladiator II, which has already reached $111.4 million domestically and continues to draw large audiences.

The success of Gladiator II marks a significant achievement in Washington’s career. It shows his enduring appeal and the powerful collaboration with Ridley Scott.

This box office triumph not only highlights Washington’s versatility and star power but also sets a new benchmark for future projects.

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