PAC opposes mass retrenchment at Post Office

The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) has strongly condemned the proposed retrenchment of workers at the South African Post Office (SAPO) calling for an immediate halt to the entire process.

In a statement, the PAC demanded that the government and management of the Post Office “engage in meaningful consultations with the affected workers and their representatives.”

“We urge all stakeholders to explore alternative solutions that prioritize the well-being of the workers and ensure the sustainability of the South African Post Office as a vital public service institution,” the Party said.

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SAPO is reportedly in dire financial straits and is being placed under provisional liquidation. Earlier this year, the entity revealed its plan to retrench 6000 people, which has now increased to 7000.

This, despite the government’s announcement in the latest 2023 budget by the National Treasury that SAPO would get a bailout of R2.6 billion from its coffers.

The PAC believes that the planned retrenchment is part of a mission of a mission to destroy all state parastatals, which is orchestrated by President Cyril Ramaphosa and is aimed at the privatization of state-owned enterprises.

“The proposed retrenchment at the South African Post Office is a clear indication of this destructive agenda, and we are vehemently opposed to the erosion of job security and the rights of workers,” the PAC added.

It called on the people of South Africa to stand against the “destructive policies” of the current administration by exercising their democratic right to vote in the upcoming elections.

“We believe that the only way to stop President Ramaphosa’s agenda is to vote the African National Congress (ANC) out of power next year. The future of our state-owned companies and the livelihoods of our people depend on it.”

Communications Minister Mondli Gungubele has dismissed suggestions that the South African Post Office would be better off in the hands of the private sector. The minister maintains that SAPO, which has more than 8 billion in liabilities, can still be turned around.