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COSATU Hymns - Translation Zulu to English
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English, Zulu
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/153842 , vital:39527
- Description: SANIBONANI NONKE FOSATU (X2) SIYANIBINGELELA NONKE NGO 1985 (X2) We greet you all FOSATU we greet you all in 1985 SIYANIBINGELELA NONKE NGO 1985 (X4) We greet you all in 1985.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1985
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English, Zulu
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/153842 , vital:39527
- Description: SANIBONANI NONKE FOSATU (X2) SIYANIBINGELELA NONKE NGO 1985 (X2) We greet you all FOSATU we greet you all in 1985 SIYANIBINGELELA NONKE NGO 1985 (X4) We greet you all in 1985.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1985
COSATU Resolutions
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Feb 1986
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135007 , vital:37226
- Description: South Africa is going through its severest economic crisis ever with millions unemployed, retrenched and without any jobs and with no social security or benefits; the cost of which is measured in the loss of lives, through poverty and starvation, and massive degradation and demoralisation of the workers and all the oppressed people in SA. The economic crisis is part and parcel of a political crisis. The state is incapable of meeting even the minimum democratic demands of the people and has to instead resort to violent measures to stifle all opposition. The present state of emergency with its accompanying arrests of thousands of people, the killing of hundreds and banning of democratic organisations such as COSAS also affects workers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Feb 1986
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Feb 1986
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135007 , vital:37226
- Description: South Africa is going through its severest economic crisis ever with millions unemployed, retrenched and without any jobs and with no social security or benefits; the cost of which is measured in the loss of lives, through poverty and starvation, and massive degradation and demoralisation of the workers and all the oppressed people in SA. The economic crisis is part and parcel of a political crisis. The state is incapable of meeting even the minimum democratic demands of the people and has to instead resort to violent measures to stifle all opposition. The present state of emergency with its accompanying arrests of thousands of people, the killing of hundreds and banning of democratic organisations such as COSAS also affects workers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Feb 1986
Behind the barricades
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172098 , vital:42159
- Description: I saw a badly injured and handcuffed man pushed down the stairs of Cosatu House in central Johannesburg during this week’s police siege. After hitting the bottom of the stairs head first with a dull thud, he lay still. A young policeman moved up to him and hit him once on the rib with rubber pick-handle. The man didn't stir. He was dragged on the ground to a police truck before being thrown in head first.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172098 , vital:42159
- Description: I saw a badly injured and handcuffed man pushed down the stairs of Cosatu House in central Johannesburg during this week’s police siege. After hitting the bottom of the stairs head first with a dull thud, he lay still. A young policeman moved up to him and hit him once on the rib with rubber pick-handle. The man didn't stir. He was dragged on the ground to a police truck before being thrown in head first.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
Congress of South African Trade Unions Education Conference
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Oct 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135230 , vital:37250
- Description: The education struggle has always had an important place in our liberation struggle. For as long as can be remembered, the oppressed and exploited have been fighting against bantu education and for control over our own education. As our struggles intensified, so our education demands became clearer. In the late 1980s the demand is for people's education which serves the needs of the oppressed. In the early 1980s the demand was for equal education. The growth of working class organisation in the factories and townships, coupled with the Frelimo and MPLA victories, encouraged deeper discussion of the role of education in the struggle for socialism. After the historic National Education Crisis Committee (NECC) conference, there came a clear and united call for people's education and for democratising all educational institutions so that students, teachers and parents could build joint control over education. In 1985 COSATU was launched with the words: "A giant has risen." COSATU has since grown very quickly, challenging the bosses and taking organised workers to the frontline of the struggle. The first National Congress in July 1987 showed that COSATU mergers and campaigns had made the federation much stronger. However, the conference noted that education structures in COSATU and within many affiliates remained weak. It was decided that an Education Conference be called to give direction and a new push to worker education in the federation. The conference looked at the main areas covered in our resolutions : COSATU Courses, Peoples Education, Media, Women and Culture. This booklet gives a record of the discussions and strong resolutions taken at the conference, where every union and every region of COSATU was represented. When we read this booklet, we must ask ourselves: Have we implemented the resolutions taken? How much progress has been made? We have a short time left until the next Education Conference (in October 1989) where we will assess what progress has been made. This booklet is for discussion and debate. It must be a tool that we use to build education in the unions. It must be a weapon for turning our resolutions into reality; our theory into practice; our commitment into struggle.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Oct 1987
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Oct 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135230 , vital:37250
- Description: The education struggle has always had an important place in our liberation struggle. For as long as can be remembered, the oppressed and exploited have been fighting against bantu education and for control over our own education. As our struggles intensified, so our education demands became clearer. In the late 1980s the demand is for people's education which serves the needs of the oppressed. In the early 1980s the demand was for equal education. The growth of working class organisation in the factories and townships, coupled with the Frelimo and MPLA victories, encouraged deeper discussion of the role of education in the struggle for socialism. After the historic National Education Crisis Committee (NECC) conference, there came a clear and united call for people's education and for democratising all educational institutions so that students, teachers and parents could build joint control over education. In 1985 COSATU was launched with the words: "A giant has risen." COSATU has since grown very quickly, challenging the bosses and taking organised workers to the frontline of the struggle. The first National Congress in July 1987 showed that COSATU mergers and campaigns had made the federation much stronger. However, the conference noted that education structures in COSATU and within many affiliates remained weak. It was decided that an Education Conference be called to give direction and a new push to worker education in the federation. The conference looked at the main areas covered in our resolutions : COSATU Courses, Peoples Education, Media, Women and Culture. This booklet gives a record of the discussions and strong resolutions taken at the conference, where every union and every region of COSATU was represented. When we read this booklet, we must ask ourselves: Have we implemented the resolutions taken? How much progress has been made? We have a short time left until the next Education Conference (in October 1989) where we will assess what progress has been made. This booklet is for discussion and debate. It must be a tool that we use to build education in the unions. It must be a weapon for turning our resolutions into reality; our theory into practice; our commitment into struggle.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Oct 1987
COSATU constitution as amended at COSATU 2nd National Congress l987
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109708 , vital:33182
- Description: We the Trade Union representatives here present firmiy commit ourselves to a unified democratic South Africa, free of oppression and economic exploitation. We believe that this can only be achieved under the leadership of a united working class. Our history has taught us that to achieve this goal we will have to carry out the following tasks. To organise the unorganised workers and build effective trade unions based on the democratic organisation of workers in the factories, mines, shops, farms and other workplaces. Organise national industrial trade unions, financed and controlled by their worker members through democratically elected committees. Unify these industrial unions into a national worker controlled federation. Combat the divisions amongst the workers of South Africa and unite them into a strong and confident working class. Encourage democratic worker organisation and leadership in all spheres of our society together with other progressive sectors of the community. Reinforce and encourage progressive international worker contact and solidarity so as to assist one another in our struggles.We call on all those who identify with this commitment to join us and the workers whom we represent as comrades in the struggle ahead. We call on all trade unions to strive to unite their members in their ranks without discrimination and prejudice, and therefore resolve that this federation shall determinedly seek to further and protect the interests of all workers and that its guiding motto shall be the universal slogan of working class solidarity: "AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109708 , vital:33182
- Description: We the Trade Union representatives here present firmiy commit ourselves to a unified democratic South Africa, free of oppression and economic exploitation. We believe that this can only be achieved under the leadership of a united working class. Our history has taught us that to achieve this goal we will have to carry out the following tasks. To organise the unorganised workers and build effective trade unions based on the democratic organisation of workers in the factories, mines, shops, farms and other workplaces. Organise national industrial trade unions, financed and controlled by their worker members through democratically elected committees. Unify these industrial unions into a national worker controlled federation. Combat the divisions amongst the workers of South Africa and unite them into a strong and confident working class. Encourage democratic worker organisation and leadership in all spheres of our society together with other progressive sectors of the community. Reinforce and encourage progressive international worker contact and solidarity so as to assist one another in our struggles.We call on all those who identify with this commitment to join us and the workers whom we represent as comrades in the struggle ahead. We call on all trade unions to strive to unite their members in their ranks without discrimination and prejudice, and therefore resolve that this federation shall determinedly seek to further and protect the interests of all workers and that its guiding motto shall be the universal slogan of working class solidarity: "AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
COSATU press clipping service - Fight poverty & exploitation
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109719 , vital:33183
- Description: The Congress of SA living wage campaign will be launched towards the end of this month. Already various regions report that police are refusing permission for public launches to be held. Initial plans by some regions to launch the campaign at the end of this week, to coincide with the commemoration of the Sharpeville and Langa massacres, had to be shelved when permission to hold a mass rally was turned down. Cosatu has vowed to make this the "biggest challenge to bosses and their profit system". The struggle is also seen as more than just an economic one. "It is a struggle against apartheid- capitalism which is built on ultra-cheap, ultra- controllable and super-exploitable labour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109719 , vital:33183
- Description: The Congress of SA living wage campaign will be launched towards the end of this month. Already various regions report that police are refusing permission for public launches to be held. Initial plans by some regions to launch the campaign at the end of this week, to coincide with the commemoration of the Sharpeville and Langa massacres, had to be shelved when permission to hold a mass rally was turned down. Cosatu has vowed to make this the "biggest challenge to bosses and their profit system". The struggle is also seen as more than just an economic one. "It is a struggle against apartheid- capitalism which is built on ultra-cheap, ultra- controllable and super-exploitable labour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
Political Economy - South Africa in crisis
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: July 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/117195 , vital:34487
- Description: THE Central Executive Committee of COSATU took a decision in 1986 that active discussion and study of the South African economy was a priority. This decision was prompted by the very serious problems of unemployment, retrenchment, inflation and poverty that we now face. It was also prompted by an understanding that organised workers must be able to propose and fight for solutions to these problems. In addition sanctions are now becoming a reality. The need to thoroughly understand the economy is even more urgent. One of the biggest problems for any person trying to understand the South African economy is the question: Through whose eyes do we study it? We can look at the economy through the eyes of the capitalists or we can look at it through the eyes of workers. Depending on which set of eyes we use, we’ll see a very different picture. The newspapers, radio, TV and education system all look at the economy through the eyes of the capitalist. They talk of economic laws* which are efficient and benefit everyone. And when the economy goes into a recession* or into a crisis* they argue that the economic laws are being interfered with. They want people to think that the economy is something controlled by laws that workers cannot change. In this booklet on the South African economy we will look at the economy through the eyes of workers. We will see how politics and economics have combined to the benefit of the capitalists. In doing this we will undertake a study of the political economy * of South Africa. The aim of this booklet is to provide a starting point for a study of the South African political economy. We will be looking back into our history to understand the very close link between politics and economics. The purpose of such a political economy study is to allow us to better understand just how serious the present crisis is. Being clearer on this will also allow us to begin discussing the real and effective solutions to the crisis. This is important because many of the solutions being proposed at present will benefit capitalism but will lead to small changes for the mass of the people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: July 1987
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: July 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/117195 , vital:34487
- Description: THE Central Executive Committee of COSATU took a decision in 1986 that active discussion and study of the South African economy was a priority. This decision was prompted by the very serious problems of unemployment, retrenchment, inflation and poverty that we now face. It was also prompted by an understanding that organised workers must be able to propose and fight for solutions to these problems. In addition sanctions are now becoming a reality. The need to thoroughly understand the economy is even more urgent. One of the biggest problems for any person trying to understand the South African economy is the question: Through whose eyes do we study it? We can look at the economy through the eyes of the capitalists or we can look at it through the eyes of workers. Depending on which set of eyes we use, we’ll see a very different picture. The newspapers, radio, TV and education system all look at the economy through the eyes of the capitalist. They talk of economic laws* which are efficient and benefit everyone. And when the economy goes into a recession* or into a crisis* they argue that the economic laws are being interfered with. They want people to think that the economy is something controlled by laws that workers cannot change. In this booklet on the South African economy we will look at the economy through the eyes of workers. We will see how politics and economics have combined to the benefit of the capitalists. In doing this we will undertake a study of the political economy * of South Africa. The aim of this booklet is to provide a starting point for a study of the South African political economy. We will be looking back into our history to understand the very close link between politics and economics. The purpose of such a political economy study is to allow us to better understand just how serious the present crisis is. Being clearer on this will also allow us to begin discussing the real and effective solutions to the crisis. This is important because many of the solutions being proposed at present will benefit capitalism but will lead to small changes for the mass of the people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: July 1987
Presidential address - Second National Congress
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: July 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135354 , vital:37259
- Description: Comrade delegates International and local guests Friends and compatriots I wish to welcome you to COSATU's Second National Congress This Congress is taking place at a time when the conflict between the forces trying to maintain the system and the forces of social progress is hotter then ever; when masses of our people are in a state of near permanent upsurge and when nearly everyone is now realising that the apparent iron fortress of the ruling class is breaking down. As we are meeting today, we are doing so united by the deep-seated feeling that victory is certain. Because of that, we must be clear that our Congress is an important milestone in our march towards our total freedom. With unity and clarity of purpose, we must deliberate on all the issues that are put before this Congress and take such decisions as are necessary to take the struggles of the working class in particular, and of the mass democratic movement in general, forward.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: July 1987
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: July 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135354 , vital:37259
- Description: Comrade delegates International and local guests Friends and compatriots I wish to welcome you to COSATU's Second National Congress This Congress is taking place at a time when the conflict between the forces trying to maintain the system and the forces of social progress is hotter then ever; when masses of our people are in a state of near permanent upsurge and when nearly everyone is now realising that the apparent iron fortress of the ruling class is breaking down. As we are meeting today, we are doing so united by the deep-seated feeling that victory is certain. Because of that, we must be clear that our Congress is an important milestone in our march towards our total freedom. With unity and clarity of purpose, we must deliberate on all the issues that are put before this Congress and take such decisions as are necessary to take the struggles of the working class in particular, and of the mass democratic movement in general, forward.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: July 1987
Work in Progress issue no.52
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/173573 , vital:42385
- Description: As this edition of Work In Progress was going to print the state effectively banned 17 organisations and an undisclosed number of individuals, and severely restricted the Congress of South African Trade Unions. By doing this the government of State President PW Botha has escalated its ongoing war against the people of South and Southern Africa. Precisely why the state chose to act this way at this time is not clear. Visible resistance to apartheid in the townships has declined under the burden of emergency rule, and popular political and community organisation has been severely weakened. One possibility is that government is attempting to limit the massive resistance expected against the October local government elections, including the boycott call made by a number of those organisations effected by the latest clampdown. But whatever the reason, there remains no excuse whatsoever for believing that ‘reformers’ within the state hold any power. If the distinction between ‘militarists’ and ‘reformers’ is real, then the militarists have so obviously won ascendency that talk of ‘reformers’ wielding influence in government is absurd. There is even less excuse for those elements which stubbornly hold to the belief that the Botha administration has a reform programme. There is no doubt that it has plans to change the face of South Africa. So did the Nationalist government of Verwoerd. But it was never suggested that this involved ‘reform’. Change can be for the worse - and this is what the changes being made by Botha’s militarists involve. South Africa is a society at war. Government is at war with the majority of South Africans and Namibians, with the Angolan nation, and with the majority of frontline states. In Natal, it seems unwilling or unable to use the might of its laws against the vigilante perpetrators of a bloody and enduring civil war. On the labour front, its proposed amendment to the Labour Relations Act, combined with emergency restrictions on Cosatu, aim to close down trade union organisation or render it impotent. This war against the working class has another side, seen in Botha’s new economic deal, the wage freeze and moves to privatise substantial areas of the public sector. Many of the articles in this issue of WIP deal with facets of this war - from the ANC’s armed struggle to Botha’s economic war against the working class; from the Maritzburg civil war to allegations of riot police on the rampage in townships. Government’s 24 February banning of organisations and individuals, and the restrictions on Cosatu activity, must be seen in this context of a society at war with itself.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1988
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/173573 , vital:42385
- Description: As this edition of Work In Progress was going to print the state effectively banned 17 organisations and an undisclosed number of individuals, and severely restricted the Congress of South African Trade Unions. By doing this the government of State President PW Botha has escalated its ongoing war against the people of South and Southern Africa. Precisely why the state chose to act this way at this time is not clear. Visible resistance to apartheid in the townships has declined under the burden of emergency rule, and popular political and community organisation has been severely weakened. One possibility is that government is attempting to limit the massive resistance expected against the October local government elections, including the boycott call made by a number of those organisations effected by the latest clampdown. But whatever the reason, there remains no excuse whatsoever for believing that ‘reformers’ within the state hold any power. If the distinction between ‘militarists’ and ‘reformers’ is real, then the militarists have so obviously won ascendency that talk of ‘reformers’ wielding influence in government is absurd. There is even less excuse for those elements which stubbornly hold to the belief that the Botha administration has a reform programme. There is no doubt that it has plans to change the face of South Africa. So did the Nationalist government of Verwoerd. But it was never suggested that this involved ‘reform’. Change can be for the worse - and this is what the changes being made by Botha’s militarists involve. South Africa is a society at war. Government is at war with the majority of South Africans and Namibians, with the Angolan nation, and with the majority of frontline states. In Natal, it seems unwilling or unable to use the might of its laws against the vigilante perpetrators of a bloody and enduring civil war. On the labour front, its proposed amendment to the Labour Relations Act, combined with emergency restrictions on Cosatu, aim to close down trade union organisation or render it impotent. This war against the working class has another side, seen in Botha’s new economic deal, the wage freeze and moves to privatise substantial areas of the public sector. Many of the articles in this issue of WIP deal with facets of this war - from the ANC’s armed struggle to Botha’s economic war against the working class; from the Maritzburg civil war to allegations of riot police on the rampage in townships. Government’s 24 February banning of organisations and individuals, and the restrictions on Cosatu activity, must be seen in this context of a society at war with itself.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1988
Biggest strike in T&G history
- Authors: COSATU, TGWU
- Date: July 1990
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/115514 , vital:34151
- Description: Cleaners in T&G Natal are angry and want to see change now! So cleaners from 11 different companies came together and decided to make demands to the bosses. On 25 May about 3000 cleaners came out on strike, but by the middle of the strike about 7000 cleaners were on strike. Most of the strikers were women. The most important demand was for a living wage. In the Durban area the wage determination gives cleaners R379 a month. But many bosses pay less than R379 and these bosses know it is against the law. On top of the low wage the bosses make cleaners buy their own uniforms, but the wage determination says the bosses must buy these uniforms. All of the strikers come from contract cleaning companies like Sneller, Supercare, Pritchards, Regent, Mrs Mop, Clean-It, Keep Clean, North Coast Cleaners, Floline, and Durban Property Services. These companies send cleaners out to clean in other companies and get money in return. But cleaners see little of the money their bosses make from their hard work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: July 1990
- Authors: COSATU, TGWU
- Date: July 1990
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/115514 , vital:34151
- Description: Cleaners in T&G Natal are angry and want to see change now! So cleaners from 11 different companies came together and decided to make demands to the bosses. On 25 May about 3000 cleaners came out on strike, but by the middle of the strike about 7000 cleaners were on strike. Most of the strikers were women. The most important demand was for a living wage. In the Durban area the wage determination gives cleaners R379 a month. But many bosses pay less than R379 and these bosses know it is against the law. On top of the low wage the bosses make cleaners buy their own uniforms, but the wage determination says the bosses must buy these uniforms. All of the strikers come from contract cleaning companies like Sneller, Supercare, Pritchards, Regent, Mrs Mop, Clean-It, Keep Clean, North Coast Cleaners, Floline, and Durban Property Services. These companies send cleaners out to clean in other companies and get money in return. But cleaners see little of the money their bosses make from their hard work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: July 1990
COSATU Regional education programme
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1990
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154403 , vital:39695
- Description: This document should be used by ail of us involved in Education as a basis for discussion on organising education in the Federation. We have pulled together all the relevant information and reccommen- dations which we hope will assist Led- comm, Educators and our constitutional structures in understanding what our tasks are in the locals and in affiliates. The Redcomm agreed that an Education Programme must go beyond being just a number of workshops and seminars. It must be a dynamic process which must contribute to the strengthening of our structures, improving the quality of our debates and promoting leadership of the working class in our struggle for democracy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1990
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1990
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154403 , vital:39695
- Description: This document should be used by ail of us involved in Education as a basis for discussion on organising education in the Federation. We have pulled together all the relevant information and reccommen- dations which we hope will assist Led- comm, Educators and our constitutional structures in understanding what our tasks are in the locals and in affiliates. The Redcomm agreed that an Education Programme must go beyond being just a number of workshops and seminars. It must be a dynamic process which must contribute to the strengthening of our structures, improving the quality of our debates and promoting leadership of the working class in our struggle for democracy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1990
DIMES Review - Vol 3
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Mar 1990
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135457 , vital:37268
- Description: In 1652 the Dutch came to this land. Initially he sought to arrest refreshments for his ships that went to the east. Soon he realised that the land was good for them to settle. In settling he infringed on the way of life of the peoples living on this land destroying the social and cultural fabric of a peaceful society. Slowly but surely the wars of dispossession began. The land that was once the black mans was now in foreign hands. All that was in abundance was reduced to scarcity .People resisted but they were put down . Our history is shameful that it is drenched in blood. The Act of Union instead of bringing people together seperated and we remain seperated today. The 1913 Land Act instead of giving people back their land took it away from them. From 1910 to 1970 something like 200 laws were passed legislating against black people. The numerous pass laws restricting movement of people from one place to the other heaped indignity upon indignity on the black people. Workers suffered, they always do! They have to turn the wheels that produce the energy that makes South Africa turn. Over the years, with the dispossession of land, African people were drawn into wage labour. This was not a voluntary process. The goverment brought about Laws that asked money from people called taxes - hut tax, poll tax, dog tax etc. Prior to the formation of the Industrail and Commercial Workers Union strikes were a rare industrial relations exercise. With increased unionisation workers started to become aware that the laws passed by the government was to facilitate an economic end. That is why the ICU became embroiled in politics. Workers were affected by Apartheid laws that acted as leeches, sucking blood of the workers and draining them of their energy. They demonstrated against these laws. COSATU was launched in the same vein challenging the State to scrap apartheid - pass laws. Today we do not live in a new South Africa,the new is yet to come. The South Africa we live in is however, old and dying - decay has set in. History is a constant reminder of her shameful past - a past that will never be blotted out but can only act as an impetus to strive towards change. The Group Areas Act, the Population Registration Act, the Seperate Amenities Act are all geared to political and social separation of the masses. We have become victims of these laws
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Mar 1990
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Mar 1990
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135457 , vital:37268
- Description: In 1652 the Dutch came to this land. Initially he sought to arrest refreshments for his ships that went to the east. Soon he realised that the land was good for them to settle. In settling he infringed on the way of life of the peoples living on this land destroying the social and cultural fabric of a peaceful society. Slowly but surely the wars of dispossession began. The land that was once the black mans was now in foreign hands. All that was in abundance was reduced to scarcity .People resisted but they were put down . Our history is shameful that it is drenched in blood. The Act of Union instead of bringing people together seperated and we remain seperated today. The 1913 Land Act instead of giving people back their land took it away from them. From 1910 to 1970 something like 200 laws were passed legislating against black people. The numerous pass laws restricting movement of people from one place to the other heaped indignity upon indignity on the black people. Workers suffered, they always do! They have to turn the wheels that produce the energy that makes South Africa turn. Over the years, with the dispossession of land, African people were drawn into wage labour. This was not a voluntary process. The goverment brought about Laws that asked money from people called taxes - hut tax, poll tax, dog tax etc. Prior to the formation of the Industrail and Commercial Workers Union strikes were a rare industrial relations exercise. With increased unionisation workers started to become aware that the laws passed by the government was to facilitate an economic end. That is why the ICU became embroiled in politics. Workers were affected by Apartheid laws that acted as leeches, sucking blood of the workers and draining them of their energy. They demonstrated against these laws. COSATU was launched in the same vein challenging the State to scrap apartheid - pass laws. Today we do not live in a new South Africa,the new is yet to come. The South Africa we live in is however, old and dying - decay has set in. History is a constant reminder of her shameful past - a past that will never be blotted out but can only act as an impetus to strive towards change. The Group Areas Act, the Population Registration Act, the Seperate Amenities Act are all geared to political and social separation of the masses. We have become victims of these laws
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Mar 1990
The National minimum wage reader
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1990
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/173584 , vital:42386
- Description: Low wages are a cause of poverty. They are unjust and they lead to economic inefficiency. Low pay is not the result of "market forces" or of individual productivity. It is the result of the vulnerability of certain sectors of the workforce and the cost structure of low-wage industries. A National Minimum Wage is a practical solution that has been adopted in many countries. It is one of the demands of the Freedom Charter. The National Minimum Wage can be developed by COSATU as a powerful campaign tool in the fight for a living wage . The National Campaigns Conference, held in May 1990, asked the Living Wage Working Croup "to establish what National Minimum Wage should be suggested to develop a program of action to achieve a National Minimum Wage". The conference agreed that the level of the National Minimum Wage will be decided at the second National Campaigns Conference in August 1990. This reader pulls together all the documents and resolutions that have guided the Living Wage Working Group in its work on the National Minimum Wage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1990
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1990
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/173584 , vital:42386
- Description: Low wages are a cause of poverty. They are unjust and they lead to economic inefficiency. Low pay is not the result of "market forces" or of individual productivity. It is the result of the vulnerability of certain sectors of the workforce and the cost structure of low-wage industries. A National Minimum Wage is a practical solution that has been adopted in many countries. It is one of the demands of the Freedom Charter. The National Minimum Wage can be developed by COSATU as a powerful campaign tool in the fight for a living wage . The National Campaigns Conference, held in May 1990, asked the Living Wage Working Croup "to establish what National Minimum Wage should be suggested to develop a program of action to achieve a National Minimum Wage". The conference agreed that the level of the National Minimum Wage will be decided at the second National Campaigns Conference in August 1990. This reader pulls together all the documents and resolutions that have guided the Living Wage Working Group in its work on the National Minimum Wage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1990
COSATU Constitution as amended at the 4th National Congress
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135027 , vital:37228
- Description: We the Trade Union representatives here present firmly commit ourselves to a unified democratic South Africa, free of oppression and economic exploitation. We believe that this could only be achieved under the leadership of a united working class. Our history has taught us that to achieve this goal we will have to carry out the following tasks : Organise the unorganised and build effective trade unions based on the democratic organisation of workers in the factories, mines, shops, farms and other workplaces. Organise national industrial trade unions, financed and controlled by their worker members through democratically committees. Unify these industrial unions into a national worker controlled federation. Combat the divisions amongst the workers of South Africa and unite them into a strong and confident working class. Encourage democratic worker organisation and leadership in all spheres of our society together with other progressive sectors of the community. Reinforce and encourage progressive international worker contact and solidarity so as to assist one another in our struggle. We call on all those who identify with this commitment to join us and the workers whom we represent, as comrades in the struggle ahead. We call on all trade unions to strive to unite their members in their ranks without discrimination and prejudice, and therefore resolve that this federation shall determinedly seek to further and protect the interests of all workers and that its guiding motto shall be the universal slogan of working class solidarity: "An injury to one is an injury to all".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135027 , vital:37228
- Description: We the Trade Union representatives here present firmly commit ourselves to a unified democratic South Africa, free of oppression and economic exploitation. We believe that this could only be achieved under the leadership of a united working class. Our history has taught us that to achieve this goal we will have to carry out the following tasks : Organise the unorganised and build effective trade unions based on the democratic organisation of workers in the factories, mines, shops, farms and other workplaces. Organise national industrial trade unions, financed and controlled by their worker members through democratically committees. Unify these industrial unions into a national worker controlled federation. Combat the divisions amongst the workers of South Africa and unite them into a strong and confident working class. Encourage democratic worker organisation and leadership in all spheres of our society together with other progressive sectors of the community. Reinforce and encourage progressive international worker contact and solidarity so as to assist one another in our struggle. We call on all those who identify with this commitment to join us and the workers whom we represent, as comrades in the struggle ahead. We call on all trade unions to strive to unite their members in their ranks without discrimination and prejudice, and therefore resolve that this federation shall determinedly seek to further and protect the interests of all workers and that its guiding motto shall be the universal slogan of working class solidarity: "An injury to one is an injury to all".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
COSATU Political Discussion Paper
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Feb 1991
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109650 , vital:33164
- Description: This discussion paper is being issued seven months after the 7th National Congress. The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of February 12 to 14, 2001 debated it, and felt that with minor changes it should be issued to COSATU structures and members for debates on the current political situation. This paper is presented to the members and structures of COSATU as a political discussion paper for 2001. A further detailed political discussion will take place in the November 2001 CEC. As the last CEC of 2001, it will be expected to take stock of the political situation, taking into account issues raised here. The February CEC took place almost five months after the Seventh National Congress. The Congress was a watershed moment and a turning noint in the life of the organisation. For 'months"before as well as xiuriiig the- Congress itself, our members and the public focused on the Congress deliberations and discussions. In political terms, this process underlined the central role played by COSATU in the post-apartheid political landscape
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Feb 1991
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Feb 1991
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109650 , vital:33164
- Description: This discussion paper is being issued seven months after the 7th National Congress. The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of February 12 to 14, 2001 debated it, and felt that with minor changes it should be issued to COSATU structures and members for debates on the current political situation. This paper is presented to the members and structures of COSATU as a political discussion paper for 2001. A further detailed political discussion will take place in the November 2001 CEC. As the last CEC of 2001, it will be expected to take stock of the political situation, taking into account issues raised here. The February CEC took place almost five months after the Seventh National Congress. The Congress was a watershed moment and a turning noint in the life of the organisation. For 'months"before as well as xiuriiig the- Congress itself, our members and the public focused on the Congress deliberations and discussions. In political terms, this process underlined the central role played by COSATU in the post-apartheid political landscape
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Feb 1991
Economic Policy Conference
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: May 1991
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135219 , vital:37248
- Description: From 22 to 24 May 1990, 271 delegates from all COSATU affiliates gathered at the SAFARI HOTEL in Johannesburg at COSATU's first ECONOMIC POLICY CONFERENCE. Many workshops and discussions had taken place already within COSATU and affiliates in preparation for this Conference. The delegates to this Conference had the responsibility to develop a foundation from which the forthcoming COSATU Congress can adopt a comprehensive package of policies for economic reconstruction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: May 1991
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: May 1991
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135219 , vital:37248
- Description: From 22 to 24 May 1990, 271 delegates from all COSATU affiliates gathered at the SAFARI HOTEL in Johannesburg at COSATU's first ECONOMIC POLICY CONFERENCE. Many workshops and discussions had taken place already within COSATU and affiliates in preparation for this Conference. The delegates to this Conference had the responsibility to develop a foundation from which the forthcoming COSATU Congress can adopt a comprehensive package of policies for economic reconstruction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: May 1991