/ 19 March 2014

Numsa marches for jobs to Nedlac

Numsa Marches For Jobs To Nedlac

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa's (Numsa's) protest march got under way at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg before noon on Wednesday.

The marchers began making their way out of Zoo Lake and then went to Rosebank via Jan Smuts Road.

Members marched for jobs outside of the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) premises in Rosebank, where they would hand over a memorandum of understanding to Nedlac officials.

Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim addressed the marchers.

About 2 000 people, mostly clad in the union's signature red T-shirts, began gathering at the lake from early on Wednesday morning.

Others wore the red T-shirts and berets of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). They sang struggle songs, ululated, blew whistles, and danced. Some of the songs criticised President Jacob Zuma.

'Smash false solutions'
The marchers also carried posters which read "Smash false solutions" and "employment incentives act equals exploitation".

While several Numsa posters were erected in the area, a large poster depicting a picture of EFF leader Julius Malema was also sprawled across the grass.

A group of youngsters carried a big yellow banner bearing the words "Equal Education" written on it, while a vendor walked around selling red berets to marchers.

Other vendors had set up stalls selling fast food and cold drinks at the lake.

Numsa officials said police had urged marchers to leave their sticks and knobkerries at the venue for security purposes and not to carry them on their march.

Marchers were also asked to be cautious as one protester who had come from Ekurhuleni was reportedly knocked down by a car.

It was unclear how badly the person had been injured, or where the accident had taken place. – Sapa