IFP PRESS STATEMENT RELEASED BY: 
Mr Hennie Bekker MP
IFP's Spokesperson on Economic Affairs

6th August 2008

Although the IFP supports some of Cosatu's concerns that have led to today's nationwide strike, we believe that today's go-slow will have a crippling effect on the South African economy and will therefore have an adverse effect on what Cosatu had aimed to achieve with this campaign, said Mr Hennie Bekker MP, the IFP's Spokesperson on Economic Affairs. 

The strike, which is set to cause millions in financial losses, is said to be Cosatu's campaign to demand decent work for all South Africans. 

Mr Bekker commented: "The IFP has on several occasions expressed our concern regarding high consumer prices. 

"But we have also said that several of these increases relate to government policies - such as government's land and agricultural policies, interest rates and specific statutory and municipal rates imposed by local government, which are way above the inflation rate. 

"The ANC alliance, including the SACP and Cosatu should therefore take the blame for the tough times that South Africans are currently facing. 

"Today's stay-away, in all provinces of South Africa, will definitely NOT contribute to creating more jobs for poor South Africans and it will NOT help to solve the complex problems that we face in regard to spiralling food, fuel and electricity prices. On the contrary, the disruptions in the economy today will have a harmful effect on food and consumer prices. 

In conclusion Mr Bekker said: "This then begs the question: is Cosatu honest about its motives for this strike or is this merely a reflection of the internal struggles and full-scale political war within the tripartite alliance?" 

For further Information contact: 
Mr Hennie Bekker MP: 083 255 4520 
Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470