Unions 'have changed their objective'

Joseph Maqhekeni made the comments during a dialogue hosted by UNISA at the Jewish Hall in Durban last night. 

He says more than 30 years after the emergence of trade unions in South Africa their focus has shifted from workers.

''Unions are preoccupied by divisions. Union leaders have created for their individual interest investment armies so that when union members vote with their seats by withholding their subscription are able to control unions,'' he said.

But Cosatu's Sdumo Dlamini disagrees. The president of the country's biggest trade union federation is adamant there is still a place for unions in South Africa today.

''Trade Unions in South Africa are still relevant for the workers of South Africa. The unions still need to be aligned to modern demands of the workers,'' he said.

(File photo)