ICTU criticizes SACTWU for selective activism and calls for protection of media jobs

In connection with Women's Month in South Africa, the Information and Communication Technology Union (ICTU) expressed serious concern over alleged double standards in organized labor, strongly criticizing the South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union (SACTWU) for its involvement in legal and other actions concerning the Sekunjalo group and the independent media sector.

As an affiliate of SAFTU, ICTU accused SACTWU of 'selective activism' and questioned what it termed 'selective solidarity,' especially when actions against a media organization could jeopardize the jobs and livelihoods of journalists and other media staff.

ICTU stated that it is increasingly facing the complex reality of protecting workers not only from employers but also from the actions of fellow trade unions, which, in ICTU's view, may risk jobs to achieve other objectives.

Furthermore, the union reported that SACTWU allegedly ignored previous requests from ICTU to hold union discussions regarding the litigation. ICTU insisted that disputes affecting workers, companies, and organized labor should be resolved through substantive engagement before taking measures that could have serious employment consequences. The union called again for 'genuine dialogue between unions' on this matter, emphasizing that solidarity must be demonstrated through actions that protect all workers.

ICTU stressed that the protection of women's rights is inextricably linked to their economic security, pointing out that female journalists, editors, and other media professionals depend on the sustainability of the media industry. ICTU leadership stated: 'We cannot talk about women's empowerment while remaining silent when the sustainability of workplaces where women work is threatened. Journalists are workers with constitutional rights, and their livelihoods deserve protection. Protecting women must include protecting stable and sustainable employment.'

Regarding the events surrounding the Sekunjalo Group, ICTU argued that they should be viewed within the broader context of employment and transformation in the South African media landscape. The union noted the Group's stated commitment to maintaining and increasing employment, including opportunities for women in senior editorial and management positions, specifically mentioning the appointment of experienced media leader and editor Melanie Peters to a leadership role. ICTU welcomed initiatives such as the launch of The National and the development within the National Media Group (NMG) as efforts to expand the media landscape. The union believes that in an industry already facing editorial restructuring, cost-cutting, and layoffs, priority should be given to efforts to maintain and expand operations, rather than corporate disputes. The CEO of the Sekunjalo Group, Lucien Jacobs, had previously emphasized the organization's stated commitment to sustainable journalism, media diversity, and protecting local employment.

In conclusion, ICTU stated that trade unions bear a fundamental responsibility for protecting existing employment, especially given the high level of unemployment in South Africa. The union urged SACTWU and other trade union bodies to engage constructively instead of allowing disagreements to escalate into disputes that could harm workers. ICTU decreed: 'History will judge the trade union movement not only by what it said, but by what it did when workers needed protection.' The union pledged to continue advocating for workers and challenging any actions that threaten their livelihoods.