The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) last week called on the National Treasury to investigate noncompliance with the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act and its local-content regulations and to take action against those organs of State – national, provincial and local entities, as well as State-owned companies – that were failing to comply with the rules.

Further, Numsa demanded that government “dump its failed policies”, such as the Growth, Employment and Redistribution plan and the National Development Plan, as these were “directly responsible” for creating and deepening corruption and mass poverty and unemployment.

Speaking at the Numsa head office, in Johannesburg, Numsa secretary-general Irvin Jim said the union would also be making demands on behalf of workers and working class communities on bodies such as the South African Revenue Services, the South African Reserve Bank and the Finance Intelligence Centre to investigate illicit financial flows, transfer pricing and money laundering in the country, and to take strong steps to deal with these issues.

These should also probe the effect of corruption on the delivery of socioeconomic services, such as the provision of adequate housing, basic education, healthcare services, water, social welfare and basic nutrition for children, besides other matters.

He added that the governing party sold its dream for a racism-free, equal and just society for a neoliberal capital society, “complete with the corruption that comes with that package”.

Meanwhile, Jim said Numsa demanded that government “move with speed” to nationalise key companies and minerals, placing these under worker control.

This included companies such as ArcelorMittal South Africa, Evraz Highveld Steel & Vanadium and Scaw Metals, as well as the entire value chain of coal, manganese, iron-ore and chrome, as profits from these sectors were exiting South Africa.

“Prices for local buyers also remain too high. We need an effective local price for platinum to save the current capability of manufacturing to champion beneficiation to create jobs.

“It is time to end systemic corruption in our society and, after we march in central Johannesburg, the big corporations and foreign banks that are doing so much damage in Sandton can expect a visit,” Jim warned.