COSATU warns workers are strained by rising living costs, debt

Cosatu’s Matthew Parks says 40% of their salaries goes to transport to get to work.

Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) parliamentary coordinator Matthew Parks says workers are burdened by the high cost of living from electricity prices and debts.

Matthew Parks says the workers are already paying high prices for fuel, electricity and essential items.

Labour Federation, Cosatu, is commemorating Workers’ Day at the Old Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo.

VISUALS | Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and African National Congress (ANC) members arriving at Curries Fountain for Workers’ Day celebrations.

Credit: Nhlakaniko Nagwaza pic.twitter.com/jt8L8mICEy

— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 1, 2026

Parks says most workers are highly indebted.

“Forty per cent of their salaries go to transport to get to work. If that increases to 50%, where are they going to get the money from? It means they have less money to pay for food and electricity, and to take care of their children, so it is a huge burden. We have a high unemployment rate of 41%, so most workers are supporting several relatives who are unemployed. Some may be children, but they are also supporting siblings who cannot find work,” he says.

WORKERS DAY | COSATU’s Matthew Parks says they are launching a campaign to reduce the cost of living to ease the burden on the working class. pic.twitter.com/fxDLn8Rl4Y

— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 1, 2026