President Jacob Zuma criticise violence by striking public servants

By Lelethu Mquqo
22 August 2010

President Jacob Zuma has criticised the violence perpetrated by striking public servants.

He was speaking at the reburial of former Umkhonto weSizwe soldier Jerry Khuzwayo’s remains outside Pietermaritzburg.

The President says ugly scenes seen during the strike will ruin South Africa's image.

He added that even during the fight against apartheid, doctors and nurses were not prevented from going to work.

Zuma says scenes of women giving birth on the streets portray an uncaring country.

Meanwhile, the Congress of South African Trade Unions says it has noted the Labour Court’s interdict.

It prohibits workers in essential services from intimidating or assaulting non-striking employees and members of the public.

The interdict also forbids damage to any State property.

Cosatu calls on government to urgently return to the bargaining council with a new offer, so that the strike can be ended as early as possible.