Zwelinzima Vavi warns of uprising against unemployment

Lusanda Bill
27 May 2011

Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi says unless drastic action is taken to reduce unemployment, South Africa could face another 1976 uprising.

In a speech delivered in Johannesburg, Vavi described the crisis as “a ticking bomb”.

He says affirmative action remains essential to achieve reconciliation.

But the policy will not work if it comes down to condemning more people from minorities to unemployment and poverty, while enriching a small number of people from the majority.