Mpisi called on the government to deliver on its promises and eradicate poverty and inequality among the many South Africans who relied on food parcels at the start of lockdown, some of which were lost to corruption.
“As the Communist Party, we're going to be at the forefront of pushing our government to do the right thing. We cannot go back to the crisis before this crisis. Before Covid-19, we know there was a crisis of economy and infrastructure and we cannot go back to that. “We are worried that when leaders speak, they said we must enhance the township economy. In this case, we haven't seen that [opportunity] given to the townships to manufacture the PPEs.”Ntshalintshali said some health-care workers have been suspended or dismissed for taking leave and refusing to expose themselves to dangerous working conditions in various hospitals across the country.
“The union must do the right thing. Do what is right — not what is easy or popular. You have to defend these workers, comrade Nehawu. We must never give up, you must mobilise and unite all workers. Here, we're all in the same battle.”With SA among the worst affected countries globally, Ntshalintshali said the government is not doing enough.
“We may not be able to move. When you go to Lesotho, they say, 'Remember, you are fifth in the world.' Our government must know that we are struggling due to its performance for its own people.”