EFF leader Julius Malema. (Photo by Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo)
There is a National Shutdown called by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema that has almost “Rubicon Moment” feel, not for the country, but for him and the party that started just over ten years ago.
Just an explanation: the phrase “crossing the rubicon” is an idiom that means crossing the point of no return.
If March 20 is a huge success for South African political leaders since he first appeared on our national stage with his ascension to the presidency of the ANC Youth League in April 2008, then he will be an influential figure in next year’s general election. In essence, the ruling party has to deal with it, as its popularity continues to decline as the state’s capacity continues to weaken.
If it doesn’t lead to significant awareness, what should Malema and the EFF think about it. The party and its leaders passed the point of no return.
What may have thrown a spanner at work, depending on where you sit, is the discovery of the impasse between the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union and the state. At the Public Service Coordination Negotiating Council, they reached agreement to return to the negotiating table. These attacks have been deadly in recent weeks as they have resulted in deaths in public hospitals, affecting the most vulnerable people in our society.
“We call on all members and workers on the picket line to prepare for an orderly return,” the union said in a statement obtained by the Mail & Guardian.
Ending this attack, did not reduce some of the tensions with the administration of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Furthermore, the national day off comes on Monday, the day before a public holiday – a long weekend for most industries and schools. For the most part, this is a jobless economy and country.
These factors may have reduced the effect of the shutdown, which Zwelinzima Vavi, secretary general of the Federation of South African Trade Unions, also supported. I have focused on Malema and the EFF as the strike was a “rubicon moment” but I could also say the same for Vavi, who faced calls by Irvin Jim of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa to resign from his role. The union is the largest member of the federation.
March 20th is a big day.