Cosatu takes on Zille over forum

Cape Town - Cosatu is to report Western Cape Premier Helen Zille to the Public Protector over her government's closure of the Provincial Development Council (PDC), a platform for social dialogue in the province. According to the union federation's provincial secretary, Tony Ehrenreich, it did so without regard for the legal obligations to the national government.

Provincial Finance MEC Alan Winde said the Western Cape government had given adequate notice of its intention to close the forum - in which business, government, labour and civil society were partners - and had twice been through the consultation process.

"At executive and legislative level," he said.

Ehrenreich alleged Zille had historically been hostile to engaging workers and civil society, who had often pointed out the weaknesses in her policies.

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Politics/Cosatu-takes-on-Zille-over-forum-20111213