The SACP remains deeply disturbed by the continued reports that we have been receiving that some of the employees will not be released by their employers tomorrow for them to exercise their democratic right. The SACP wishes to add it voice even at this late stage that this is unacceptable and we support COSATU’s call that the declaration of tomorrow as a non trading holiday be duly respected.
Contrary to the elitist allegations that have been thrown around that the ANC’s overwhelming victory poses a major threat to the constitution, it is white capital employment policies that prevent workers from voting that the constitutes a threat to our democracy. Failure to release workers to go and vote actually constitutes a violation of the constitutional rights of all South Africans to go and cast their vote.
We are furthermore deeply concerned by the illegal activities that have been undertaken by the Mashonisas (the loan sharks) who continue to withhold Identity Documents of those who have taken loans from them. We must warn those involved that this is illegal and we urge our structures to help those affected access their documents and report such cases to the authorities. The SACP has fought a fierce battle against such practices in our Financial Sector Transformation Campaign.
We urge our people to remain focused and not be deterred from coming out in their numbers to exercise their democratic right and vote the ANC led alliance into government with an overwhelming majority.
Issued by the SACP
Contact:
Malesela Maleka
SACP Spokesperson – 082 226 1802