South African President Cyril Ramaphosa decided to return in his weekly address to the nation on Tuesday May 3 to the events of May Day. As he was due to address a small crowd of workers gathered at a stadium in Rustenburg, northwest of Johannesburg, the stage was taken over by an angry mob. The president, who had to leave the premises, now claims to have ” heard this widespread anger within the country.
With our correspondent in Johannesburg, Claire Bargeles
It was angry miners demanding a pay rise that prompted the president to leave the stadium to boos and whistles on Sunday May 1. The Cosatu, the biggest national trade union centerwho was organizing the rally, could do nothing to control his troops, who put an end to the speeches.
” This reflects the loss of confidence in their unions, their federation, as well as in political leaders and public institutions “, recognized Cyril Ramaphosa, who dedicated his weekly message to the incident and affirms” understand their frustration “.
With an unemployment rate that has reached the historic level of 35%, and almost half of the population living below the poverty lineaccording to the World Bank, these workers voiced “ what every South African knows: that the working class and the poorest of the country are suffering “said the Head of State.
This situation has been reinforced by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has further weakened an economy that was just emerging from years of corruption at the top of the state. This protest movement is in any case a new blow for the ANC, losing momentum, election after election.