BY OBAKENG MAJE
Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) in North West gathered together at Taung Coverground in Workers Day celebration.

Amongst those who attended the event was Minister in the Office of the president, Jeff Radebe, North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo and leaders of different affiliations including African National Congress Provincial Executive Committee in North West.

Jeff Radebe said South Africa was also celebrating 21 years of breakthrough to complete freedom and democracy on the 27th April 2015.

He also pleaded with Cosatu leadership to restore unity within the federation.

“We would like to condemn any factions within the Cosatu as it is the federation that represents the workers, not individuals. We call upon all members of Cosatu to be disciplined and the leadership must not forget their mandate. We still experience inequality and exploitation of workers after 21 years of democracy. Let Cosatu make sure that every worker is represented fairly. Our message of support to Cosatu as the ruling party is that, we will work together in developing South Africa” he said.

ANC North West chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo signed a memorandum that was presented by Cosatu leadership where he signed a pledge to make sure that all workers are well-treated and no worker will be exploited in the province.

Mahumapelo condemns xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals and said South Africa belongs to all living in it.

“This historic milestone has been reached due to the unrelenting fight people waged against colonial oppression and the apartheid state. We cannot let people say we must do away with colonialism and its history. We need to be wiser because even townships that we are living in today, were results of colonialism.

“We plea to all South Africans to be more patient and make sure we create a better country. We need to understand that the enemy isn’t amongst us, but against us. South Africa is a better place than it was before apartheid, so let’s work together to move it forward” he said.

Mahumapelo sent his message of support to Cosatu and promised that the government and the ANC in the province will work hand-in-hand with them to make sure workers’ lives improve and all procedures are followed and implemented.

“Our struggle would not have succeeded alone without the overwhelming support we received from the international community in general and our African compatriots in particular, so let’s make sure that we support each other as Africans” Mahumapelo said.

Cosatu North West’s Provincial Secretary, Solly Phetoe said there are challenges they are faced with as the federation.

“There are still employers who are exploiting workers especially in retailers and farm workers. All labour laws need to be put into practice and make sure all workers get a decent living wages. We as Cosatu, we will never budge until our mandate is fulfilled. We would like to inform all workers who are being ill-treated by their employers, to come forward and report them” Phetoe said.

South African Civic Organisation (Sanco) National Executive Committee member, Motlalepule Rosho said as an alliance, they support Cosatu in their mandate and encourages the leadership of Cosatu to stand head above shoulders even though they experiencing worst of its time since its inception. Rosho also took time to blast those who practice barbaric acts by attacking foreigners.

“The role of the international community and our African brothers and sisters formed a critical pillar of international solidarity during our struggle. We can’t fold our arms and take a blind eye while we destroying our future. We need to stop this barbaric act now. To Cosatu, we pledge our support as an alliance and make sure we strive for success” she said.

All affiliations of Cosatu were represented and the event commenced with a march from Taung N18 towards Taung Coverground in solidarity.

Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwane Tribal Chief, Tshepo Mankuroane applauded Cosatu for bringing the event to his soil and sent his message of support.

-TDN

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