AfriForum and Solidarity members gathered in Pretoria ahead of their march against the BELA Act
On a sunny morning in Pretoria, members of AfriForum and Solidarity joined forces to protest against the controversial Basic Conditions of Employment Amendment (BELA) Act. The march, which took place on the 15th of March, saw thousands of people coming together to voice their opposition to the new legislation.
The BELA Act, which was signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in December 2020, has caused quite a stir amongst South Africans. The Act, which aims to address issues such as minimum wage, parental leave and equal pay, has been met with strong criticism from both AfriForum and Solidarity. The two organizations argue that the Act will have a negative impact on businesses and the economy, ultimately leading to job losses.
As early as 8am, members of AfriForum and Solidarity started to gather at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, armed with banners and placards expressing their dissatisfaction with the BELA Act. The atmosphere was electric as people from all walks of life came together with one shared goal – to protect the rights of workers and businesses.
Marnus Kamfer, the CEO of AfriForum, addressed the crowd, stating that “the BELA Act is a threat to the economic stability of our country. It will discourage businesses from investing and creating jobs, leading to further unemployment and poverty.”
Solidarity’s General Secretary, Dirk Hermann, also spoke out against the Act, emphasizing that “the government should be focusing on creating an environment that is conducive to business growth, rather than implementing restrictive legislation that will do more harm than good.”
The two organizations have been vocal about their opposition to the BELA Act since it was first proposed. They have been actively engaging with government officials, submitting petitions and conducting research to highlight the potential negative impact of the Act.
The march was a peaceful and powerful display of unity and determination. It was not just about opposing the BELA Act, but about standing up for the rights of workers and businesses in South Africa. Many individuals and business owners who were unable to attend the march showed their support through social media, using the hashtag #BELAActProtest to share their thoughts and opinions.
The march also received support from various other organizations, including trade unions and business associations, who share similar concerns about the BELA Act. All those in attendance were united in their belief that the Act needs to be reconsidered in order to safeguard the stability and growth of the South African economy.
The main aim of the protest was to highlight the potential consequences of the BELA Act and urge the government to reconsider its implementation. The organizers want to see a legislative framework that supports both the rights of workers and the growth of businesses, without jeopardizing the economy.
The peaceful march ended at the Department of Labour, where a memorandum was handed over to the Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi. The memorandum detailed the concerns and objections of AfriForum and Solidarity, as well as suggestions for alternative measures to address the issues at hand.
In conclusion, the BELA Act protest in Pretoria was a powerful display of unity and determination. It showed that when people come together for a common cause, their voices can be heard and their concerns can be addressed. The organizers have vowed to continue their fight against the BELA Act and remain committed to finding a solution that works for all stakeholders. Let us hope that the government takes note of the concerns raised and works towards finding a balanced approach that benefits both workers and businesses in South Africa.
