ANC will remain a beacon of hope

Polokwane represented a pro-poor stance of the ANC, and this is the context of the Terror Lekota breakaway. Why is the NDR their newfound swear word? The NDR is not a Marxist or communist term. They complain that that the ANC is dominated by COSATU and SACP. – ANC Today

ANC mourns Billy Nair

The African National Congress is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Comrade Billy Nair, a stalwart and an underground leader of the movement. Comrade Nair was a founding member of the United Democratic Front (UDF) and member of Umkonto we Sizwe. He was also imprisoned in Robben Island.

NPA and SAP Amendment Bills

The ANC welcomes the dissolution of the DSO and reaffirms the central elements of the Polokwane resolution that there be one police service, that the DSO be dissolved. We note that this bill does not include prosecutors in the same unit, as it comprises the rights of the accused to a fair trial.

Swaziland from a wider eye

PUDEMO heard with dismay utterances to the effect that the Swazi state will and must ruthlessly fight and 'throttle' those with diverging views, including their families and relatives. Most shockingly this speech came from the throne, urging citizens to take up arms. Full statement in COSATU Today.

Competition Act Amendment welcome

FAWU is elated that the Competition Amendment Bill has been passed by the National Assembly and will soon be signed into law by the President. Company bosses must now think twice before engaging in any cartels or shameless anti-competitive conduct to rob the poor of access to basic foodstuffs.

Star article on ‘Malema results’

As the YCL we condemn the publication of the matric results of Cde Malema in today's edition of The Star newspaper, which wants to silence and isolate the ANC YL President from his core constituency and the ANC YL itself. A leader's educational intellect is organically cultivated. Umuntu ufunda azafe.

Disbandment of the Scorpions

The Scorpions became a tool to settle political scores as with the Special Browse Mole Report and the persecution of ANC President Jacob Zuma. They neglected their mandate of fighting organized crime. They became a law unto to themselves. The new unit will be accountable to the people of South Africa. - YCL

SADTU unites to support the ANC

The SADTU NGC met and resolved to support the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign, to organisational renewal, to support for the ANC and the Alliance, and to collect mandates for the 2009 salary negotiations. The following comrades were elected unopposed:

• President: Comrade Thobile Ntola
• Deputy President: Comrade Bonakele Majuba
• National Treasurer: Comrade Fritz Steenkamp
• Deputy General Secretary: Comrade Mugwena Maluleke

Passing of Scorpions Bills

COSATU applauds passage of SA Police Service Amendment Bill and National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill restoring necessary separation of functions between investigation and prosecution. Scorpions were diverted away from fighting crime and towards political persecution of individuals.

Swaziland is ‘Without a King’

An open meeting is being held today as a report-back session from the recently held Southern Africa Social Forum in Manzini, Swaziland. Details:

• Date: Friday 24 October 2008
• Time: 10h00
• Venue: COSATU Archives, 1st Floor, COSATU House
• Picket: 12h30 Braamfontein Centre, Jorrissen Street

Death of Comrade Billy Nair

The YCL has learned with shock of the untimely death of Rivonia Trialist and stalwart of our movement, Cde Billy Nair. Cde Nair represented the true generation and founders of the UDF which dedicated itself to building a strong ANC and Alliance, with the purpose of fighting poverty and unemployment.

Billy Nair, 1929-2008

COSATU mourns the sad passing of Comrade Billy Nair, founder member of SACTU. We dip our banners in honour of a relentless fighter for workers, his country and the national democratic revolution. We send our condolences to his family, friends and countless comrades.

WIVL goes electoral

The WIVL has decided to contests the 2009 elections at national level. Enormous resources are needed for our campaign of exposure of parliament, while at the same time building structures of resistance to capitalist exploitation, primarily branches of the WIVL, across the country.

Education for People’s Power

DITSELA invites you to a seminar on Popular Education & Democracy in South Africa Today. Details:

• Date: 31 October 2008
• Time: Contact Makhi or Thozama on 011 331 0470
• Venue: DITSELA Workers Education Institute, 24 Kruis, Cnr Marshall Street, Jhb.

Appeals for tolerance

The ANC in Gauteng calls on all political parties to conduct the 2009 elections with dignity and tolerance. The ANC will not be provoked by the high level of intolerance and attempt to hijack ANC structures by the Terror-Shilowa party. The ANC remains the principal agent of social change.

Rise in vehicle repossessions

COSATU is shocked by today’s report that vehicle repossessions by banks are estimated to be running at 6 000-7 000 a month. The main reason for this can only be the relentless rise in interest rates, as a consequence of the Reserve Bank’s misguided inflation-targeting strategy.

T-shirts and cult of personality

COSATU and the ANC wish to clarify remarks attributed in the media to the COSATU General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi, about the wearing of T-shirts bearing the image of political leaders, which were misreported by the SABC and some other media to give the false impression.

BHP Billiton-Rio Tinto merger approval

The Competition Commission has recommended to the Competition Tribunal the approval of the merger arising from the takeover bid in which BHP Billiton intends to acquire Rio Tinto, subject to BHP Billiton divesting of the interest to be acquired by it from Rio Tinto relating to Coega Aluminium Smelter Project

SA workers productive but lowly paid

COSATU welcomes the findings of a survey which reveals that South Africans are as productive as workers in Germany, Brazil, France and the United States. Yet workers’ share in the national income has declined since 1981 up to the present time, while employers’ profits continue to increase.

Shop steward skills development

Shanta Reddy Attorneys has started a series of workshops aimed at imparting representation skills to shop stewards and organisers. Contact Mandla Sithole, 031 202 3350. before 31 October 2008. Topic One is Grievances

• Date: 17 November 2008
• Times: (repeating) 08h30, 11h30 and 14h30
• Venue: 108 Helen Joseph Road, Glenwood, Durban

Press Freedom

A Weekender debate on Press Freedom, with Zwelinzima Vavi, Jessie Duarte, Karima Brown and Stephen Grootes will take place as follows:

• Date: 12 November 2008
• Time: 18h00 for 18h30
• Venue: Arts Centre Auditorium, University of Johannesburg, Kingsway Campus, Auckland Park

Abahlali to the Mayor

Shack-dwellers of Khayelitsha note that people who are living at informal settlements within the City of Cape Town are ignored and undermined by the City. All people that are living at informal settlements should be recognized as legal. Informal settlements should be upgraded where they are.

Current Political Developments

The Provincial Working Committee of the SACP in Free State Province noted with disbelief and outrage the resignation from the organization by its former member Mzwandile Hleko. It remembered the horrible and ugly years of the reign of tribalism of Terror Lekota’s era as the premier of the Free State.

The ANC dissidents must go

The SACP in the Western Cape is conscious that the ANC confronts serious challenges. The 1996 class project entrenched itself in the Western Cape within the provincial ANC government and the ANC as an organisation. It has to create divisions and factions since it cannot survive without these divisions.

Medium Term Budget

NEHAWU welcomes yesterday’s medium-term budget focus on health and education and the funds allocated therefore to address the challenges in these sectors. The additional R 170 billion for public spending and the prioritization of health, education, infrastructure is very much welcome.

People’s Budget Response

The People’s Budget Coalition, comprising the SACC, SANGOCO and COSATU, noted the Minister of Finance’s Medium-term budget policy statement. The PBC looks at fiscal policy from the perspective of the poor majority. Judged from that perspective, the Minister’s statement is disappointing.

Input to SADTU NGC

COSATU General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi, addressed the SADTU NGC. Full text in COSATU Today.

SADTU elects new President

The NGC of SADTU, meeting in Irene, held elections today to fill the following vacancies. Both candidates were returned unopposed:

• President: Comrade Thobile Ntola
• Deputy General Secretary: Comrade Mugwena Maluleke

Woolworths strike settled

Duly mandated representatives of SACCAWU and Woolworths signed an agreement which marks an end to a strike over organisational rights. SACCAWU accordingly calls off the consumer boycott. Union members will be returning to work from Friday the 24th of October.

Shilowa’s divisive deeds

The Progressive Youth Alliance of ANCYL, COSAS, SASCO and YCL in Gauteng welcomes as good riddance the political opportunism displayed of former Premier Mbhazima Shilowa. He is leaving alone, and will get no support from the progressive youth of this Province. Full statement in COSATU Today.

ANC YL meets FF+ Youth

The African National Congress Youth League and Freedom Front Plus Youth met in Johannesburg on 21 October 2008 to discuss a variety of issues, including racism and youth, affirmative action, mother tongue education, democracy and nation building, and corporal punishment.

Morgan Tsvangirai Passport Application

President Tsvangirai neither refused nor boycotted the meeting in Swaziland. It is Zanu PF which stopped him from attending this meeting. Meaningful negotiations cannot proceed while Zanu PF continues to hold Mr Tsvangirai hostage and prisoner. As the saying goes, "Prisoners don't negotiate."

Two Rivers prepares for strike

NUM has declared a dispute at Two Rivers mine near Lydenburg over a C-band bargaining unit and has begun marshalling its forces for possible strike action. The mine is jointly owned by African Rainbow Minerals and Impala. It mines platinum and employs over 800 workers.

AbM Western Cape March

Informal settlements will join Abahlali baseMjondolo of Western Cape to march from SiteB to Stocks & Stocks Local Municipality Offices. Details:

• Date: Wednesday 22 October, 2008
• Time: 11h00-14h00
• Assemble: In between Site-B Day Hospital and Train Station. March to Stocks & Stocks

Tsvangirai in Marondera and Manica

MDC President Tsvangirai is to address report-back rallies in Marondera, Rusape and Mutare this weekend. The rallies are a feedback to the people of Zimbabwe on what has transpired since the signing of the historic political settlement on 15 September 2008.

Five hundred observe mourning

500 mineworkers are observing a day of mourning at Anglo Coal’s Greenside Colliery, 10Km from Witbank, after a worker was electrocuted underground on Saturday. The memorial service was held in the open after the company locked the hall. NUM condemns Anglo Coal’s insensitivity.

Masiphumelele Stands Up for Peace

Following false rumours that a foreigner was among the murderers of a child, there was a Peace Rally at Masiphumelele Community Hall on Friday 17 October. The Peace Rally in May cooled xenophobic tension and marked Masiphumelele as a place that resisted violence that swept the Western Cape.

Health Minister’s Commitment

NEHAWU welcomes the statement by the Minister of Health Barbara Hogan that she is committing herself to turn around the department of health from its current dilapidated status to a department that is competent, transparent and deliver best service to South Africans.

Civilian and Military Blur

MSF presentation hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand. Details:

• Date: 23rd October 2008
• Time: 10h00 to 12h00 – with light snacks provided
• Venue: The Seminar Room, South West Engineering Building, East Campus

ANC Regional Councils

As part of its campaign to attain victory in next year's elections, the African National Congress is happy to report success in its provincial mobilisation programme. These meetings of our NEC cadres with Regional Rouncils is to ensure that people are informed of broader challenges confronting the organisation.

ANC YL welcomes Alliance Summit

The ANC Youth League is convinced that the leadership of the ANC-led alliance is best positioned and well suited to intensify programmes for developmental growth of the economy. The summit resolutions are primarily guided by the alliance components, and not blindly imported from elsewhere.

SACCAWU 9th Conference Declaration

The full declaration will be published in COSATU Today. NOBs elected are as follows:

• Amos Mothapo – President
• Louisa Thipe - 1st Deputy President
• Angie Phetlhe - 2nd Deputy President
• Bones Skulu – General Secretary
• Mduduzi Mbongwe – Deputy General Secretary
• Alois Gumede - National Treasurer

Alliance Economic Summit

The ANC, SACP and COSATU Alliance Economic Summit met on 17-18 October 2008 to consolidate the economic policy perspectives that will inform our common election manifesto as we move towards an ANC-led election campaign. The full Declaration will be published in COSATU Today.

JZ in NY

New York University’s Africa House Presents Jacob Zuma, President of the African National Congress, Former Deputy President of South Africa. Details:

• Date: 24 October 2008 (Friday)
• Time: 17h00 – 18h30
• Venue: 60 Washington Square South, Kimmel RM 914, New York University, USA

Esther Barsel Memorial

[From SACP Jhb Central Branch] The memorial service of the late Cde Esther Barsel will be held as follows:

• Date: 19 October 2008 (Sunday)
• Time: 14h30
• Venue: Womens Jail (Constitutional Hill), Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Eradication of Poverty Day

DENOSA notes the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, October 17, 2008. Poverty is a violation of human rights. Most patients come from poverty-stricken backgrounds. Poverty impacts directly on health and well-being. We call for a national poverty eradication plan.

Build Street Committees

Build Street Committees, Build People's Power: Defend the unity of the ANC, defend the unity of the Alliance. SACP Red October campaign will also be a campaign for an overwhelming ANC electoral victory in 2009. Umsebenzi Online, Volume 7, No. 18, 15 October 2008. Full text in COSATU Today.

Sies, Moseneke!

Senior government technocrats oppose the real and genuine demands of ordinary workers. These big-bellied buffoons are earning millions of rands and live luxurious lives filled with opulence, abundance and unparallelled wealth. This will create a fertile ground for a revolution from below. - POPCRU

Pay hike for state officials

NEHAWU condemns and opposes the proposed 11% pay hike for state officials and sees this as a slap in the face for South Africans who are struggling to afford basic necessities. The state officials are not there to enrich themselves but to serve the public.

Only united can ANC serve the poor

We have suspended factionalist members in order to unite and refocus our organisation; they will undergo disciplinary processes. The legacy of those who run away will always be questionable. We will always wonder why they joined the ANC in the first place. – ANC President Jacob Zuma

NUMSA 8th Congress Declaration

Delegates to the 8th National Congress of the National Metalworkers of South Africa representing more than 216 000 members, do hereby declare and make the following declaration... President - Cedric Gina; General Secretary – Irvin Jim. Full text of declaration in COSATU Today.

PSL bigwigs grab R55 million

YCL rejects the reported R55 million pay for PSL bigwigs, namely Dr Irvin Khoza, Kaizer Motaung, Trevor Phillips et al. This demonstrates how self accumulation can drive an asset of the working class and the poor players out of their hands. YCL with SAFPU will consider organising a boycott.

R55 million for PSL bosses

SAFPU notes with disgust the Premier Soccer League decision to pay the negotiating team R55 million bonuses. Football players are still earning less than five thousand rand a month. SAFPU is totally against this self-enrichment by PSL officials while players are suffering.

Workshop on Worker Safety

South Durban Community Environmental Alliance invites you to a workshop to discuss the incidents and accidents which impact on residents and workers in South Durban area. Details:

• Date: 8 November 2008
• Time: 09h00 – 13h00
• Venue: Miriam Cele, Diakonia Council of Churches, Diakonia Ave