The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) says it intends to propose to government and Parliament for a election day to be declared a non trading day for non essential workers as well as extension of the current voting hours.
It argues this will allow workers to go to voting stations without fear of losing their jobs.
Cosatu says its proposal follows the figures released by the Electoral Commission (IEC) of voters following this year’s local government elections.
While there were more than 29 million registered voters, Cosatu says the number of those who cast their votes on 4 November elections is a cause for concern.
Parliamentary coordinator Matthew Parks says, “We see time and again many workers in our restaurants wanted to vote but the time the shifts ends, the voting stations are closed. We have seen security guards who want to work but they just don’t have the time they can’t afford a day’s wages.”
“As Cosatu we are going to propose to government and parliament under the ANC and other political parties three proposals that we think can help to improve voter participation.”
The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) also supports Cosatu’s proposal.
Saftu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi says, “This time around the situation has gone even worse. In fact from 2024 the numbers have been real appalling. This time only 15.2 million South Africans voted.”
Some of the committees that play an oversight role on election related matters say they have noted this proposal.
Home affairs portfolio committee chairperson Mosa Chabane says, “The portfolio committee on home affairs have noted the issues that are being raised by Cosatu. We have not received the proposals nor discussed the matter. We will await the proposal as the portfolio committee.”
Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Chairperson Dr Zweli Mkhize says, “We have noted the proposal from Cosatu with regard to extension of the voting hours as well as declaring the election day non-trading holiday. We have not received officially an such proposals . However we do understand that it makes sense there is a lot of concerns about those who are employed and are unable to casts their votes.”