South African Trade Union Solidarity Takes Racial Discrimination Concerns to the UN

Trade union Solidarity is set to file a formal complaint with the UN against the South African government, citing violations of international standards against racial discrimination.

The union has positioned itself as a vehicle for minorities in South Africa to have their voices heard. Its membership is mainly, but not exclusively, Afrikaners (white settlers).

Solidarity was established from the previous “whites only” unions in the mining and steel sectors.

The organisation asserts that these laws, including the Employment Equity Amendment Act, sectoral targets, and tourism equity fund laws, among others, not only violate international standards against racial discrimination but also perpetuate inequality and corruption.

Solidarity’s leader Dirk Hermann argues that despite the government’s claim that the said laws are intended to promote fairness and equality, they have instead resulted in a disturbing trend of “inequality, looting, self-enrichment, and the deterioration of the public service”.

“All this racial insanity takes place under the banner of nice-sounding words such as rectification, equality, diversity and transformation,” he said.

Dirk Johannes Hermann is a South African labour executive. He serves as chief executive officer of Solidarity, an Afrikaans (white settler) union. He is a descendant of the 1820 British settler James Herman.

Hermann highlighted that the government previously attempted to introduce a law that would have imposed race quotas on the private sector, a move he said was met with opposition, leading to a settlement.

However, Solidarity believes that the battle is far from over and is intensifying efforts to challenge race-based laws.

“The great battle has not yet been won and we are continuing the fight. We are fighting even harder,” Hermann said.

“We aim to stifle race laws altogether, and our message is supported by hundreds of thousands of people. The message is that race laws must come to an end.”

During Solidarity’s visit to the UN, it is expected to emphasize the need for South Africa to align with international guidelines and conventions that affirm the temporary nature of affirmative action.

The union will insist on the government setting a clear end date for these policies.

Citing previous victories during UN visits, Hermann expressed optimism about the prospects of the union’s complaint.

He indicated that Solidarity, with the support of the broader community, can achieve a bigger breakthrough in the matter.