‘We hear you when you cry’ Didiza tells Tshwane workers

ANC mayoral candidate in Tshwane Thoko Didiza has taken her charm offensive to city blue-collar workers.

She has met more than 400 shop-stewards from unions affiliated to Cosatu. The workers welcomed her warmly‚ singing and dancing.

Didiza told the shop-stewards she was heartbroken when she encountered public toilet cleaners in Mabopane last week who work without hand gloves.

“It cannot be in our time that we can’t protect the workers. We can’t fight for better working conditions in the air but we don’t implement it where we govern. It must start with us‚” she said to loud applause.

 Cosatu in Tshwane has been one of the vocal critics of outgoing mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa. The federation and its unions have repeatedly accused him undermining them.

 At the meeting with Didiza‚ one leader said the City of Tshwane has failed to respond to more than 20 memoranda of demands Cosatu unions have served it over the last five years.

 Didiza said she understood the criticism levelled by Cosatu. “We hear you when you cry … you’re not saying it because you’re just angry. You’re angry because you want to build a home in Tshwane.

“You’re not attacking us because you don’t care. You’re not attacking us like you used to attack Boers.”

She urged the workers to vote ANC on August 3. Didiza has also promised Cosatu another meeting after the elections if she is elected.

 “We must have discussions to see how do we move this vehicle forward. For now I should thank you for welcoming me.”