We, the National Public Service Workers Union (NPSWU), have carefully reviewed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on February 6, 2025. While we recognize the efforts mentioned by the President to create job opportunities and boost the economy, we must raise our voices against the continued neglect of public sector workers, especially in terms of fair pay, job security, and the overall treatment of essential workers.
The President focused on the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which has provided over 2.2 million job opportunities through various innovative models, as well as initiatives like SA Youth Mobi, which aim to support young people in securing work. While we acknowledge these programs, we cannot ignore the fact that public sector workers—who are crucial to the functioning of our public services—continue to face wage stagnation, lack of permanent employment, and precarious working conditions.
Public sector wages remain a key concern. The President mentioned equal pay for equal value, a principle we have long advocated for, yet public sector workers continue to face wage freezes and job insecurity. Many of these workers are undervalued, and their efforts are not compensated fairly. While job creation in various sectors such as green energy, digital manufacturing, and agriculture is welcome, we demand that the government includes public service workers in its vision for sustainable economic growth. The wages of public service workers must reflect the essential work they do and their contribution to national development.
The issue of Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Community Care Givers (CCGs) is one that remains unresolved. After a court ruling ordered that CHWs be made permanent, these workers are still waiting for the government to fulfill its promises. We are committed to continuing our fight for permanent employment for these workers. The NPSWU will not rest until Community Health Workers and Community Care Givers receive the permanent employment they are owed, and we call on the government to make good on its legal obligations.
Another concern is the ongoing protests by medical doctors in KwaZulu-Natal, who are demanding permanent employment after being promised jobs. These young medical professionals, like many other public service workers, are facing uncertainty and frustration. The government must take immediate action to provide these doctors with the jobs they were promised and ensure that the young professionals who wish to contribute to the country’s health services are given the opportunities they deserve.
While we support the President’s focus on economic development through sectors like green energy and technology, we make it clear that public sector workers cannot be left behind in these efforts. These workers must be recognized and compensated fairly for their vital roles in healthcare, education, and social services. The government must ensure that public sector workers are not ignored as the nation moves forward with plans for economic growth and development.
In conclusion, we stand firm in our commitment to improving the lives of public service workers in South Africa. We will continue to push for equal pay, permanent employment, and better working conditions. The government must act now and ensure that the promises made in the President’s address are turned into action, especially regarding the wages and job security of the workers who serve the nation every day. We are ready to work alongside the government, but only if it acknowledges the urgent needs of public sector workers.
NPSWU will remain vigilant in our advocacy efforts, holding the government accountable to ensure that all workers are treated with dignity and fairness.
Article By:
Cde. Ayabonga Ngubane
PR & Comm. Officer
Communications@npswu.org