First day of voter registration

YCL welcomes the enthusiasm and excitement shown by especially the youth at voting stations countrywide on the first today of the IEC's voter registration weekend. YCL national and provincial leadership has been deployed to help mobilise.

Voter registration turn-out

The ANC Youth League calls on each young person of South Africa to make it his/her paramount task to ensure that at-least 5 fellow young people are registered for the 2009 elections, regardless of political affiliation and orientation.

Railways may come to a halt

UTATU and SATAWU are in dispute with Transnet Freight Rail for its breach of agreement on in-service training and “refreshers” for grades including train drivers. We demand that the company restores the status quo. If we have to strike, we will roll it out so that it really hurts, starting with the Coal Line.

COSATU on PUDEMO leadership arrests

The Congress of South African Trade Unions strongly condemns the arrest of leaders of PUDEMO and SWAYOCO, on their way to a march to the Prime Minister's office to deliver a petition, and demands their immediate and unconditional release. COSATU also supports SSN’s demands.

Disciplinary action on Professors

FXI is distressed by the University of KwaZulu/Natal's decision to institute disciplinary proceedings against two of the University's Professors, Professor of Physics Nithaya Chetty and Professor of Mathematics John van den Berg. – Full FXI argument in COSATU Today.

Mobilise SA on World Aids Day

COSATU President Sdumo Dlamini pledged COSATU to work with TAC, SANAC, business and others for a workplaces and community action month in support of HIV prevention and treatment, culminating in a 30-minute national work stoppage and dialogue at mid-day on 1 December – World Aids Day.

ICEM Boycotts Petro-Canada

The Presidium of ICEM gives full support to an international boycott of Petro-Canada products. The action is in support of 260 oil-refinery workers, members of CEP, who have been locked-out at a Petro-Canada refinery in Montréal, Québec since 17 November 2007.

PUDEMO leadership arrested

The Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN) would like to inform the world of the arrest on 7 November 2008 of PUDEMO and SWAYOCO leadership and other comrades at the Mbabane old bus rank while preparing to embark on a march to the Prime Minister's office to deliver a petition.

Tsvangirai on Obama Victory

It gives me joy to congratulate Senator Barack Obama, on his election as President of the USA. I know that his historic victory has heartened millions. Zimbabweans appreciate the true value of a vote, the preciousness of a poll that is conducted openly and fairly, and a result that is respected by all. - MDC

Recent spate of violence

Violence has reared its ugly head again in Zimbabwe. Zanu PF has unleashed a new orgy of brutality and assaults across the whole country, in breach of the Memorandum of Understanding and the Global Political Agreement signed on 15 of September 2008. Zanu PF has killed the dialogue. - MDC

No More Congo War!

Join FOCAS in a march of protest against the continuing war in eastern Congo. Details:

• Date: Wednesday, 12 November 2008
• Time: from 09h00 to 13h00
• Venue: Assemble at Union Building in Pretoria
• Buses will be going from Wits University (at 07h30) and Yeoville (at 08h30)

So-called indefinite strike

The ZCTU would like to correct a story that has been appearing on online news. and to put it on record that ZCTU has NOT penciled action for 11 November 2008 and has never issued statements to that effect. When ZCTU decides to take any action workers will have been consulted through structures.

Breedevallei councillors

On 5 November 2008 ANC National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal confirmed a Western Cape DC decision to expel three Breedevallei councillors, Luvuyo Kelepu, Freddie Speelman and Bettie Fortuin, from the ANC with immediate effect, for acting against ANC in collaboration with opposition parties.

The Conventioners, Umsebenzi Online

SACP GS Blade Nzimande on several historical breakaways from the ANC including the latest one, the “Convention”, lessons to be drawn and urgent tasks of South African communists and all SACP structures. – Full text in COSATU Today.

Vavi message of solidarity to FEDUSA

On World AIDS Day, 1 December 2008 we stop work and observe 30 minutes of silence, part of 16 Days of Activism. We call on FEDUSA congress to declare Christmas a black Christmas. On 6-7 December we shall be at shopping malls for the Proudly South African campaign. – Full text in COSATU Today

Tsvangirai to Extraordinary Summit

MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai has left Zimbabwe to travel to South Africa and the region, ahead of Sunday's Extraordianary SADC Summit. Mr Tsvangirai has been forced by Zanu PF to travel on a temporary document. MDC condemns the lack of sincerity and good faith exhibited by Zanu PF.

Unity in fight against HIV and AIDS

NEHAWU North West and many other allied organization launched a De-stigmatization Campaign on 4 November 2008. The de-stigmatization campaign aims to educate workers about HIV and AIDS because ignorance is the root cause of stigmatization and discrimination.

Crisis and war in DRC

COSATU is alarmed at the tragic events unfolding in the DRC, which is close to a full-scale war that has caused massive loss of life and untold suffering to millions of ordinary Congolese. Africans deserve better; they deserve conditions of peace and democracy for development and progress to succeed.

Cash withdrawal limit, dolarisation

ZCTU has received with disgust the news that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has decided not to remove cash withdrawal limits. ZCTU also says no to US-dolarisation and extension of USA into Zimbabwe. But if they want dolarisation, then the ZCTU is demanding that workers be paid in US dollars.

Address to NEHAWU Securities

COSATU General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi delivered a major speech to NEHAWU Securities in Johannesburg on 5 November 2008. The speech covers many issues including economic issues. The full text will be in COSATU Today.

ANCYL meeting with ABSA

ANCYL has met with an Absa executive, Mr. Makhosini Nkosi. The ANCYL accepts the bank’s assurances that no person, including Ms Wendy Luhabe, will be allowed to abuse Absa’s platforms or resources to advance the objectives of the “Shikota” party or any other organisation.

On Obama's Victory

MDC congratulates Obama, his family, his campaign staff and indeed the whole of America. John MacCain's instructive and inspiring. If in Africa, incumbents would would graciously depart from the seat of power, this would be a different continent, and indeed Zimbabwe would be a different place.

Artists in defence of ANC welcomed

The African National Congress welcomes the initiative by a number of artists to organise themselves into a grouping to mobilise support for the values, principles and programmes of the ANC, launched on 4 November 2008 in Newtown, Johannesburg.

Vote ANC for certainty and stability

ANC President Jacob Zuma is on a two-day visit to the province, part of the ANC's programme to engage with key stakeholders, who include communities, professionals, religious leaders, business and traditional leaders. - Full report in COSATU Today.

US Presidential Election

ANC extends warmest congratulations to Barack Obama on his victory in the US presidential election, confident that the Obama administration will work with international institutions and forums to ensure a peaceful resolution of conflict and a multilateral response to global challenges.

Congratulating Barack Obama

ANC YL congratulates Barack Obama for his election as President of the United States of America and hopes that his election indeed represents change as proclaimed throughout his campaign, such as an end to illegal wars and occupations, and to unjustified trade embargoes on any country in the world.

New Deputy Minister of Finance

COSATU congratulates Comrade Nhlanhla Nene on his appointment as deputy finance minister to continue his good work done as chairperson of the National Assembly's Finance Committee and to implement the policies adopted at the ANC Polokwane Conference and the Alliance Summit meetings.

Obama victory

COSATU congratulates Barrack Obama on his victory in the USA Presidential election. For an African-American candidate to be voted into the highest office by an electorate dominated by the descendents of those whose forefathers enslaved and disenfranchised black Americans is a huge step forward.

Proudly South African Campaign

Role players in the Western Cape will promote purchase of South African-made products at an Expo to be held on 17 and 18 November at Grand West Arena, including a conference to be held in the morning of 17 November 2008 to be attended by Public and Private-sector procurement Managers. - COSATU

Officials fly to Chile FIFPRO meet

South African Football Players Union [SAFPU] officials will few out today morning to attend the FIFPRO General Assembly which is scheduled for Santiago Chile from 6-10 November 2008. The assembly will deal with issues that affect the professional football players all over the world, in all aspects.

Defend the ANC Campaign

Prominent South African musicians and artists met in Newtown on 4 November 2008 to organise themselves under the banner, "Defend the ANC", and are working on a collaborative musical album as their first project. – ANC YL

ANC YL sends a strong warning to ABSA

ANC YL is aware that Wendy Luhabe, the main funder of the political rebel group, led by her husband Mbhazima Shilowa and Patrick Lekota, is using ABSA platforms to mobilise support for the rebel group. ABSA Chairperson Gill Marcus is co-hosting a bogus special luncheon for the rebel political group.

ANC President’s North West visit

The ANC President, Comrade Jacob Zuma, will be addressing mine workers and the rest of the poor working class at Impala South Freedom Park on 5th November 2008 from 16h30. COSATU North West will support and protect its leadership against any attack by the so-called Shikota party supporters.

SABC Terror Lekota Advertisement

The Progressive Youth Alliance wants to register its concern over the SABC's airing of an advertisement by Terror Lekota which is political in nature and seeks to attack the ANC-led Alliance and its leadership. This is contrary to IEC and ICASA regulations. We call on them to investigate.

Register now to vote

The Independent Electoral Commission will open all voting stations on the 8th - 9th November 2008 from 08h00 to 17h00. We appeal to our members and to all patriotic citizens to go and register in their voting stations and to check their registration details. – Full text by Jacob Zuma in COSATU Today.

ANCYL delegation hosted by ZINASU

Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) hosted the Africa National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) delegation to Zimbabwe over the weekend, in Harare. We demand that SADC, the guarantors of Zimbabwe's political agreement take decisive action at the forthcoming Heads of States summit.

Lekota, George duck disciplinaries

Former ANC National Chairperson Mosiuoa Lekota and former Amathole regional chairperson Mluleki George resigned membership of the ANC on receipt of their charge sheets, Lekota on Friday 31 October, and George on Sunday 2 November and shortly before they were due to appear before the ANC NDC.

Public Utterances of Patrick Lekota

To Jody Kollapen, Chairperson, South African Human Rights Commission; Dear Chairperson, The ANCYL requests the SAHRC to make an urgent intervention on the recurrent statements and public utterances of Mr. Patrick Lekota, the founder member of the splinter rebel political movement.

Report on voter preferences

From a survey by Lawrence Schlemmer Markdata, July 2008. The survey predicts the following party outcomes in the 2009 national elections: ANC, 70-71%; DA, 20-21%; ID, 2-3%, IFP, 2-3%, UDM, +/- 1%; ACDP, +/- 1%, PAC, FF+, AZAPO, and Others, all less than 1%.

ANC Should Not Engage Splinter Group

We call upon the leadership of the ANC not to legitimise this splinter group by engaging it as suggested by the ANC deputy president, Kgaleme Mothlanthle. They left the ANC as individuals and if they were to be accommodated back into the movement, it must be on the basis of their individual membership. - FAWU

SAHRC must take action on Pityana

FAWU calls on the SA Human Rights Commission to investigate assertions, the latest being yesterday at the convention of the disgruntled, by Professor Barney Pityana, Vice Chancellor of the University of South Africa, implying that the ANC President is guilty of rape despite his acquittal by a court of law.

State of Zimbabwe Education

Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) is organising national protests to push for the opening of tertiary institutions and will host International Students Day on 17 November under the theme "Save our Education, Save our Future", will engage Parliament and will continue to provide platforms.

Latest Political Developments

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) regrets that the ongoing impasse was not resolved at the meeting held in Harare with the SADC Troika on 27 October 2008. The Summit must comprehensively address all the current outstanding issues, and not only the allocation of Ministries.

FSCC Free State Province

The Financial Sector Campaigns Coalition jointly with the Credit Bureau Association and the SACP convened a provincial workshop on the provision of the National Credit Act as part of the consumer education in society and the role of National Credit Regulator and other related authorities in general.

Lekota's dissident group

SACCAWU Congress resolved not to legitimise activities of this splinter group and to call on all our members not to respond to the so-called National Convention initiated by Lekota and others, and calls upon all its members and supporters to register for the 2009 general elections and vote for the ANC.