6 October 2004
The South African Communist Party (SACP) is shocked and displeased at the recommendation that public representatives must get a 7% pay rise. In the light of the 6,2% increase for all public servants signed in the last two weeks, this recommendation reinforces the apartheid wage gap and undermines the struggle for a decent living wage for public workers.
It is unacceptable that ordinary workers are told to be "realistic" and accept wage increase which are in line with inflation when the Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers reinforces the morality that workers must be continuously sacrificed. If we are to promote an equitable society, the salaries of public representatives must not reinforce inequality. The most serious fault line in our society is a class one where the working class is continuosly sacrificed by elitism and accumulation.
The Communist Party calls on government and all members of parliament not to accept this recommendation but rather to peg the wage increase of public representatives at 6,2%.
The Communist Party also calls for the democratisation of the Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers to ensure that the workers and the poor can make public input into discussions on the remuneration of public representatives. This discussion is currently held in closed doors without any public input and participation.
CONTACT
Mazibuko Kanyiso Jara (surname Jara)
Head of the Office of the General Secretary
South African Communist Party
Tel - 011 339 3621, Fax - 011 339 4244/6880
Cell - 083 651 0271
Email - mazibuko@sacp.org.za, sacpho@wn.apc.org (alternate)