Anti-War Coalition clarifies

The Anti-War Coalition wishes to clarify that the statements criticizing the SACP and COSATU leadership during the protests against the USS Theodore Roosevelt were the views solely of the AWC and its supporters and not of Earthlife Africa or its Cape Town co-ordinator.

Rustenburg Regional Summit

There will be a Regional Alliance Summit on 15 October 2008 at Rustenburg Civic Centre. Preparatory to the summit, on the 13 October 2008 there will be a Regional Alliance Secretariat meeting, and on 14 October 2008 a bilateral meeting between COSATU and the Moses Kotane District of the SACP.

Collapse of Zimbabwe education

The announcement that Grade 7 students will not sit their exams is proof of the degeneration of the state. The University of Zimbabwe has not reopened. In the majority of schools, students have not attended classes for the whole year. This is a measure of the grandiose failure of the regime. - Tendai Biti, MDC Secretary-General

Zanu PF's midnight ambush

The MDC dismisses the Zanu PF's unilaterally gazetted wish list of ministries, which is a betrayal of the wishes, expectations and aspirations of the majority of Zimbabweans. MDC calls on the mediator, SADC, the AU and the international community at large to help support and protect Zimbabweans.

Growth of UIF

NEHAWU welcomes the news that there has been growth in the number of employers who have registered their employees for the UIF and that more domestic workers are registered with the fund as they are one of the vulnerable groups of workers that gets exploited.

NUMSA 8th Congress 1st Day

Highlights:

• M. Malentacchi, International
• M. Tom, President’s Address
• S. Nondwangu, Secretariat
• B. Nzimande, SACP

NUMSA 8th National Congress

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) 8th National Congress starts at Emerald Casino Resort in Vanderbijlpark, Sedibeng from 13-16 October 2008. Outgoing President Mtutuzeli Tom will deliver the welcome. ANC President Jacob Zuma will deliver a keynote address.

CWUSA Leads Africa’s Musicians

The Creative Workers Union of South Africa (CWUSA) proudly hosted the Federation of International Musicians Congress in Balalaika Hotel, Sandton, from 1-3 October 2008, and will host the FIM Africa Committee (FAC) Conference in Durban from 4-6 December 2008.

COSATU Mpumalanga PEC

COSATU Mpumalanga held a Provincial Executive Committee meeting on 7-8 October 2008 attended by affiliated unions from all sectors and took decisions relating to T Mbeki and M Lekota, and for dismissal of P Dexter from MEGA, and to work tirelessly for an ANC victory. More in COSATU Today.

SAA CEO must resign!

SATAWU’s South Africa Airways council calls for the SAA CEO and his executive team to resign in the light of their immoral, unethical, greedy and selfish conduct .This call is also informed by our understanding that he has endorsed the deliberate attack on SATAWU.

Stop the Blockade

On 30 October 2007 the UN General Assembly resolved to end the illegal and inhuman US economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba. The USA has only made matters worse and even threatens to use force to undermine the resistance of the Cuban people and to re-colonize Cuba. - ICAP

Zimbabwe deadlock

There has been no progress. MDC has declared a deadlock and therefore the process cannot move forward except in the presence of the facilitator. SADC and AU are the guarantors of the global political agreement. They should assist us now. – Morgan Tsvangirai, President.

Zanu PF fiddles, Zim burns

Three weeks after the signing of the political settlement by the principals of the political parties in Zimbabwe, the country is in extreme distress every kind including deaths from starvation. MDC is calling for equal distribution of key ministries. The people want new government and are on our side.

Lekota’s madness

COSAS is not surprised by the intension by Terror to form his own political party where he will have free space to behave like an animal in a zoo. Terror is a political failure and together with his drinking friends has passed his sell-by date. COSAS will campaign for students and youth to register and vote ANC.

Lekota rightwing opportunism

ANC YL is not concerned by a possible formation of a rightwing power-mongering political party by self-enriching Ntate Lekota and Mluleki George, who think they are anointed born-leaders. Youth League will be at forefront of getting people to register and vote for the ANC in the incoming elections.

Lekota, traitor, conspirator

For the past few days Terror Lekota has been running like a headless chicken from one media house to the other pleading for the mercy of the South African citizens. Terror and other conspirators belong to the dustbin of history. Their journey to political oblivion is certain. - COSATU Mpumalanga

Lekota Divorce

NUMSA is saddened by the announcement by “Comrade” Terror Lekota of intentions to “divorce” from the people’s movement, the African National Congress. We have confidence in the leadership of the ANC and its President, Jacob Zuma. We believe that sense will prevail from Terror and his friends.

Lekota’s insinuations

SADNU is saddened by the statements made by the former ANC National Chairperson insinuating the advent of an ANC “break-away” faction. SADNU calls on the working class not to be misled by such attention-seeking individuals. SADNU will be an integral part of the ANC election campaign.

Dissidents must follow protocol

NUM has noted the unfortunate and regrettable statements made by Patrick Terror Lekota and calls on its members in general and ANC members in particular to subject themselves to the discipline and democratic processes of the ANC and to ensure that they abide by collective decisions.

Lekota fails to come

An ANC delegation led by the Treasurer-General, Matthews Phosa, waited from 10h00 for a pre-arranged meeting with Comrade Terror Lekota. This meeting was confirmed telephonically and Comrade Lekota undertook to attend. Mr Lekota failed to come and sent no apology.

Mamelodi Ten reburial

The families of the Ten, MKMVA, and ANC will be having a reburial of the Mamelodi 10, who lost their lives in pursuit of the struggle to liberate the people of South Africa, as follows:

• Date: Sunday, 12th October 2008
• Time: 08h00 - 11h00
• Venue: Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi

R20K for appeals – SAFA

SAFPU notes the cowardly rules and demands by the South African Football Association relating to appeal cases. Demanding that a player pay R20 000 for an appeal on top of super-exploitation and below-poverty-line salaries given to the majority of soccer players, is despicable.

Horrific DRD Gold death

Another mineworker has died at DRD Gold, once more at Blyvoor. NUM calls on DRD to explain where the safety belt was at the time this miner slipped into a skip tip. DRD Gold’s mine deaths are rising following deaths at Blyvoor two months ago and deaths of two mineworkers at ERPM.

Palestine 1948 delegation

A delegation from Palestine will discuss the One State Solution and other matters. Contact Melissa at PSC, 073 906 0017. Details:

• Date: 13 October 2008 (Monday)
• Time: 19h30 to 20h30
• Venue: 1st Flr Staff Lounge, Boyce Building, Wits School of Education, 27 St Andrew’s Road, Parktown, Jhb.

Power hungry hypocrites

NEHAWU condemns and rejects the statements made by Terror Lekota and his band of power hungry rogues that they were serving a divorce notice to the ANC and would be looking at forming a breakaway party. One of our key challenges at this stage is to prepare for the ANC electoral victory.

Western Sahara

Institute for Global Dialogue invites you to a roundtable discussion on The Western Sahara Conflict, Prospects for Resolution. Details:

• Date: 16 October 2008 (Thursday)
• Time: 10h00-12h30, followed by lunch
• Venue: Block 12, IGD House, Thornhill Office Park, Bekker Street, Vorna Valley, Midrand

Red October Launch 2008

The SACP will host the 2008 Red October Campaign under the theme "Building Street Committees, Build People's Power for a Revolutionary State". Details of the launch are:

• Date: 9 October 2008
• Time: 10h00
• Venue: AA Community Hall, Umlazi, Durban
• Speakers: ANC, COSATU and Cde Blade Nzimande

Media Briefing by Terror Lekota

YCL notes the cowardly media briefing convened today by political mercenaries and aprons of the naked emperor, Terror Lekota and Mluleki George. It might have been a tragedy when the Group 8, Pan Africanist Congress and Holomisa left the ANC. But this one is a farce.

Lekota press conference

ANC has taken note of the press conference addressed earlier today by former ANC National Chairperson Mosiuoa Lekota. The ANC has a responsibility to provide political leadership, and will therefore always act to unite It will specifically continue its engagement with Mosiuoa Lekota.

Madisha action vindicated

Willie Madisha has identified himself with the break-away splinter group announced today by Mosiuoa Lekota, in a final political betrayal of the labour movement. This vindicates the disciplinary action taken by COSATU, SACP and SADTU against Madisha. We now invoke the slogan: “Don’t mourn, organize!” - SADTU

Tautona, 5000 mourn

5000 mineworkers will tomorrow down tools at Anglogold Ashanti’s Tautona mine in Carletonville to observe a day of mourning after two mineworkers lost their lives there last week. There will be no work. A memorial service is scheduled to begin at 08h00 in the morning.

4500 strike at Pamodzi

Over 4500 mineworkers downed tools at Pamodzi Gold’s Grootvlei, Cons Modder and Subnigel [East Rand] operations after parties failed to resolve the dispute over wages. “We are not intimidated by Pamodzi’s view that it will derecognize the union”, says NUM.

Terror Lekota’s statement

COSATU notes with regret the announcement by Terror Lekota and others of their intention to leave the ANC. This is a publicity stunt whose intention is to drum up support for the party to be announced. COSATU members should swell the ranks of the ANC more than ever before.

Z Vavi to Crime Summit

COSATU agrees with decision of 52nd ANC National Conference in Polokwane to make crime one of its top priorities. We have pledged full support for the campaign to organise street committees to mobilise the people against the criminals. Full text of speech in next COSATU Today.

Esther Barsel

With great sadness COSATU mourns the passing of Comrade Esther Barsel on 6 October 2008, at the age of 83, and sends condolences to her family, friends and hundreds of comrades. Comrade Esther was a true heroine of the struggle for freedom, democracy and socialism. - SACP

SADTU supports ANC and Alliance

SADTU leadership is confident that our 235,000 members will not be misled by the lies of the disgruntled elements represented by Lekota, and affirms its continued support for the ANC and the Tripartite Alliance which is the only available vehicle to consolidate our national democratic revolution.

Election of Mashatile as Premier

YCL in Gauteng respects the election on Tuesday 7th October 2008 by the special sitting of Gauteng's Legislature, of comrade Paul Mashatile as the Provincial Premier. YCL took active part in the decision-making process, openly expressed its views, and will now defend the election of Cde Mashatile.

Mashatile Premier of Gauteng

ANC congratulates its Gauteng ANC Chairperson Paul Mashatile on being elected provincial premier. His election signals the commitment by the ANC on the smooth running of the provincial Government since the recent resignation of former premier Mbhazima Shilowa.

ANC mourns for Esther Barsel

ANC was saddened to learn of the death on 6 October 2008 of Esther Barsel, a stalwart of the ANC and Communist Party, at age 83. We pay homage to this gallant revolutionary who was unwavering in her commitment and dedication to the struggle for a democratic and just South Africa.

The beast is in the open!

SACP notes the intention of Mosiua Lekota to leave the ANC and form a new political party. His is nothing but a coalition of the ill-disciplined who cannot accept ANC democratic processes. They will meet the full might of the organized working class in the next elections and will be taught a lesson!

Six days for JIC

NUM received a certificate of non-resolution (and therefore the right to strike) of the dispute with JIC Mining Services over incapacity, at the CCMA yesterday. NUM has given JIC six days to sort itself out. Incapacity management is a right enshrined in the Mine Health and Safety Act and is non-negotiable.

Journey to Cuito Cuanavale

Ex-combatant Association invites you on our next journey from Pretoria in South Africa to the Historic Battle Fields of Cuito Cuanavale in southern Angola in early December 2008, when we will unveil a monument. Please respond to pfta@vodamail.co.za.

UNW racist students

NEHAWU strongly condemns the racist behaviour of some few University of North West students who posted racist messages on their Facebook site.

Death of Cde Esther Barsel

Cde Esther Barsel dedicated all her life to serving the people of our country and associated with the struggle for the liberation of our country when it was not fashionable to do so. - SACP

Reject Tutu’s call

SATAWU has called on its members to reject the call made by Archbishop Desmond Tutu for people not to vote in next year’s election. It is highly regrettable and unfortunate that an individual of such high standing in South Africa and the world could have made such an irresponsible statement.

Salute to fallen workers

NEHAWU has received with sadness the news of the passing away of the health workers at the Morningside Medi-Clinic in Sandton from the highly contagious fever that has hit the province. The union and would like to pass its condolences to the families and colleagues of the health workers.

Terry Bell, Liar

NEHAWU rejects the allegations and innuendos in yesterday’s Business Report. Terry Bell’s lazy tabloid reporting misrepresents normal democratic processes as scandalous and conspiratorial. His allegations are pure lies. He is simply peddling propaganda. He should start his own party and stop pretending.

Applause for Health Ministers

COSATU warmly welcomes the bold and imaginative stance being taken by the new Minister of Health, Barbara Hogan, and Deputy Minister, Dr. Molefi Sefularo, after years of denialism and foot-dragging. COSATU welcomes the Minister’s intention to press for more funds to roll out anti-retroviral drugs.

Passing of Comrade Esther

Esther Barsel was part of the generation that revived the YCL in the 1940s. Banned in 1950, the YCL was not reconstituted for over 50 years. Cde Barsel campaigned tirelessly for the re-launch achieved in 2003, and continued to serve as historical reference, guide and support to the YCL and its leaders. Hamba kahle.

Mister Terror

The Young Communist League [uFasimba] has noted with disgust the second malicious letter penned by political imbecile and former National Chairperson of the African National Congress [ANC], Mr Terror Lekota. It is our view that Lekota has become nothing but an apron of a naked emperor. - YCL

Police Shoot Workers

Police in Athlone shot at a crowd of female workers at AliBaba in Athlone Industria. Two female workers were shot in their legs with rubber bullets. Police acted as if they were voluntary security guards for the company, to defend its illegal lockout. FAWU will take legal action.

Crime Summit

POPCRU’s Crime Summit starts tomorrow with a full programme of contributions. Details are as follows:

• Date: 8-10 October 2008
• Time: 09h00
• Venue: Gallagher Estate
• Theme: Contributing to making South Africa crime free

Zimbabwe at a standstill

The MDC dismisses Zanu PF claims that only two cabinet posts are yet to be resolved upon. Contrary to these claims, there is a deadlock on allocation of all key ministries and on allocation of governors.

Spying on civilians

SACP has on numerous occasions expressed concern about abuse of state organs to fight political battles, and welcomes the strong statement of Minister of Intelligence, Cde Siyabonga Cwele, against some NIA activities including unauthorised and unlawful spying on civilians; and that he is going to act.

Worsening Financial Crisis

ITUC demands effective responses from the IMF and World Bank to worsening financial and food crises. “Nothing short of voting parity for developing countries is acceptable. The lender-borrower relationship that has defined decision-making is no longer appropriate” says ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder.

Esther Barsel

SACP veteran, Friend of the Soviet Union and refounder of the YCL, Comrade Esther Barsel, passed away in Johannesburg today aged 83. Cde Esther will be buried in the Jewish section of West Park Cemetery tomorrow at 12h30. A Prayer Memorial will take place at 18h00 at 73 Stevens Road, Bramley North.

Mysterious Fever

SADNU learnt with shock news of the deadly and highly contagious Mysterious Fever at the Morningside Mediclinic in Sandton. Our deepest condolences go to the families, relatives, friends and colleagues of the victims.

6 Floors to Hell

Palestine Solidarity Group invites you to a viewing of documentary “6 Floors to Hell” followed by a discussion with the Director Jonathan Ben Efrat. Details:

• Date: 8 October 2008 (Wednesday)
• Time: 19h00
• Venue: The Children’s Resource Centre, 3 Milner Rd, Rondebosch (Behind Red Cross Children’s Hospital), Cape Town

SADTU rejects false claims

The Madisha issue was resolved internally by unanimous decision of the National Executive Committee, as was the action against the former Limpopo chairperson of SADTU. All then endorsed these actions of the NEC at a series of provincial conferences. Terry Bell’s reports are untrue.

Zim-Malawi Workshop

The Centre for Policy Studies invites you to a workshop on “State of Democracy and Development in Zimbabwe and Malawi”. Details:

• Date: 10 October 2008 (Friday)
• Time: 10h30 – 15h30
• Venue: Centre for Policy Studies Boardroom, 1st Floor, Rosepark South, 6 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg
• Lunch: 12h30

DENOSA on ‘mystery disease’

DENOSA notes with concern the outbreak of a ‘mystery disease’ that is suspected to be related to haemorrhagic fevers, in Johannesburg. A 34-year old nurse has died at Morningside Medi-Clinic and a cleaner has also died from this disease, coming from a patient. Medi-Clinic ICU is “closed down”.

SADTU welcomes Minister’s support

SADTU welcomes the Minister of Education’s support for Teacher Development and for the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign. Teacher training and development has not been adequate to prepare teachers for the new curriculum. SADTU supports it and the overall campaign.