COSATU Today miniblog

Youth in historic turn-out

2008-11-14T15:05:00.003+02:00

As the YCL we take this opportunity to congratulate the 1.6 million new voters who have been registered in this weekend's registration period. We are even more excited that 77% of the new voters are young people. This shows that the efforts put by our members and leaders have borne fruits.

ANC YL on voter registration turnout

2008-11-14T15:05:00.001+02:00

The African National Congress Youth League once again expresses its satisfaction on the number of young people who turned out for voter registration on the 8th and 9th of November 2009. This turnout dispels the myth that young people are apathetic and not interested in politics in South Africa.

Voter registration weekend

2008-11-14T15:04:00.001+02:00

The ANC congratulates the people of South Africa following the successful countrywide voter registration weekend. The ANC calls upon those who had no time to register to vote to do so at IEC and municipality offices on weekdays. We welcome the proposed voter registration weekend in February.

Resignation of Smuts Ngonyama

2008-11-14T15:03:00.002+02:00

Smuts Ngonyama tendered his resignation to the ANC today [13 November 2008]. The ANC accepts and welcomes his resignation without any regrets. We wish him luck in this further endeavours.

Jacob Zuma visits Northern Cape

2008-11-14T15:03:00.001+02:00

On the final leg of his Northern Cape visit, ANC President Jacob Zuma continued a public engagement with local communities, workers, business, youth, women, traditional and religious leaders on key priorities for the ANC after elections. Full report in COSATU Today.

Renationalise SASOL and Mittal Steel

2008-11-14T15:02:00.000+02:00

Hundreds of SACP and alliance members, drawn from all of our structures in the province, will be marching for the re-nationalisation of SASOL and Mittal Steel. The march will be held on Saturday, 15 November 2008, starting at Workers' Library, New Town, Jhb, at 09h30 and proceed to Premier's office.

Make the Ginwala Report Public!

2008-11-14T14:02:00.000+02:00

The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) has written to President Kgalema Motlanthe to request him to make the Ginwala Commission's Report on the fitness of Adv Pokoli to hold office of National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) available to the public by Friday, 14 November 2008.

Proudly South African Expo

2008-11-14T14:01:00.002+02:00

A Proudly South African Conference is being held on 17 November 2008 at Grand West, Cape Town, starting at 07h30 with a breakfast. A concert will be held on Monday 17 November at 19h30 at Grand West and featuring Claire Philips, Kurt Schoonraad and others. – COSATU Western Cape

FIFPRO General Assembly Resolutions

2008-11-14T14:01:00.001+02:00

SAFPU officials arrived back on 10 November 2008 from a three day FIFPRO General Assembly in Santiago Chile, attended by forty six member countries, three candidate and five observers from Africa, America, Asia and Europe. Detailed report in COSATU Today.

Thousands march to the CCMA

2008-11-14T14:00:00.001+02:00

Over 2000 members of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) march to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) in Matlosana, Klerksdorp to present a memorandum over the slow pace in which cases are being dealt with, and other deficiencies.

FAWU rejects 8 percent offer

2008-11-14T13:59:00.002+02:00

The Food and Allied Workers' Union rejects the latest offer of an eight percent wage increase to farm workers as proposed by the Agricultural Employers' Organisation. We believe that 8 percent in present circumstances is tantamount to slave practices.

BWI slams death of SA forest workers

2008-11-14T13:59:00.001+02:00

BWI has learned of the tragic death of at least 23 forestry workers today in South Africa who were the unfortunate victims of a tragic road accident on their way to work. Loading workers on to open trucks is completely unacceptable. BWI shares the grief of the families of the workers.

Stop Carrying Workers on Open Trucks

2008-11-14T13:58:00.001+02:00

All those who continue to transport workers on open trucks should be held liable for these workers' deaths. This week in Mpumalanga more than 20 lives were lost due to this negligent practice. FAWU calls on government and parliament to enact legislation that prohibits this slave type of practice.

COSATU mourns workers’ deaths

2008-11-14T13:02:00.000+02:00

COSATU is angry at the death of at least 23 workers between Bushbuckridge and Dwarsloop. The open truck on which they we being transported to work collided with a KFC truck. We demand that the law must be changed and rigidly enforced, so that employers are forced to use safe forms of transport.

WFDY 63rd Anniversary Declaration

2008-11-13T11:37:00.000+02:00

The World Federation of Democratic Youth celebrates 63 years of its constitution on 10 November 2008. We in a historical necessity to find the exact point between theory and practice so we can be able to throw away for once and forever the unfair imperialist system. More in COSATU Today

US Blockade a crime against humanity

2008-11-13T11:33:00.000+02:00

The US persistence of the policy of blockade is irrational, immoral, cruel, and vindictive. This policy is a consequence of a US government hell-bent on increasing harm, suffering and inducing apartheid-type consequences against the Cuban people and their country’s sovereignty. More details in COSATU Today

COSATU backs ZCTU on SADC deal

2008-11-13T11:32:00.000+02:00

COSATU fully supports the statement by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions on the outcome of the extraordinary summit of the SADC Heads of State and Government, and reaffirms its support for the creation of a transitional administration whose only function will be to organised new elections.

Outcome of Extraordinary SADC Summit

2008-11-13T11:28:00.000+02:00

ZCTU has not been surprised by the failure of the SADC Summit to break the impasse between ZANU PF and the MDC. The SADC bloc leaders have shown to be an Old Boys association that stands by any leader in office and ignore the opposition. The ZCTU says no to this sham of an approach.

ANC Media Liaison Team

2008-11-13T11:25:00.000+02:00

The ANC is please to advise that the ANC national media liaison team has been strengthened with the appointment of Carl Niehaus, who will assist ANC national spokesperson Jessie Duarte in the period leading up to the 2009 election. Full contact details in COSATU Today.

National Working Committee Statement

2008-11-13T11:24:00.001+02:00

The NWC of the ANC YL met on the 11 November to make reflections on the following concrete organisational and political issues: Voter Registration; National Youth Development Agency; Provincial Visits; SABC; Zimbabwe; the dissident rebel political party. Full details in COSATU Today.

ANC National Working Committee

2008-11-13T11:07:00.000+02:00

The ANC NWC met at Luthuli House in Johannesburg on 10 November 2008 and announced a Manifesto Policy Conference on 28-30 November, Provincial List Conferences to be completed by 7 December, and a National List Conference on 13-14 December. More details in COSATU Today.

Ditsela’s new offices

2008-11-13T11:03:00.001+02:00

You are cordially invited to celebrate the official opening of Ditsela’s new offices. The details are as follows:

Date: 28 November 2008
Time: 13h00
Address: Ditsela Workers’ Education Institute, 24 Kruis Street (Cnr Marshall Street)
Food: A finger lunch and refreshments will be served

DME: Intervene at ERPM!

2008-11-13T11:01:00.002+02:00

Over two thousands NUM members will today march to the Department of Labour in Boksburg to demand government intervention at DRD Gold’s East Rand Proprietary Mine (ERPM). NUM calls on the DME to revoke the license if needs be and award it to more deserving companies.

Free State ARV rollout failure

2008-11-13T11:01:00.001+02:00

DENOSA is concerned about the failure of the department of health in the Free State to give patients Anti-Retro Viral (ARV’s). Our conscience as DENOSA in Free State does not allow us to let this happen. We call the department to immediately provide patients with this vital treatment.

Global crisis, economic summit

2008-11-13T10:56:00.000+02:00

We leaders of NUMSA are happy to inform all our members and the people of this beautiful country, South Africa, that we are on course to translate into a Four Year Master Programme all the Resolutions of our 8th National Congress. Full text in COSATU Today.

Goldfields: 11 000 to down tools

2008-11-13T10:20:00.000+02:00

A total of 11 000 mineworkers today down tools to observe a day of mourning at Beatrix mine in the Free State, owned by serial killer Gold Fields in line with NUM resolution of observing a day of mourning for each fatality that occurs in the mines, after a mineworker lost his life last week.

Strike action hits Lonmin

2008-11-13T10:17:00.000+02:00

Over 2000 NUM members downed tools at Lonmin after the collapse of protracted negotiations on the equalisation of pay for workers at Lonmin Limpopo and at other Lonmin operations. It is not the economic meltdown that is the problem, but poor planning on the part of its management.

One more mineworker dead, two critical

2008-11-13T10:07:00.000+02:00

A mineworker died at Northam Platinum in Rustenburg at 21 level due to methane explosion. One other worker was critically injured after what is reported to be a fall of groun. Another worker was injured at Murrray and Roberts. Both injured are in hospital, in the Intensive Care Unit. - NUM

Swazi Election Unconstitutional, SCCCO

2008-11-13T10:04:00.000+02:00

The Swaziland Coalition of Concerned Civic Organisations has challenged the appointments of all five of the Elections and Boundaries Commission as being unconstitutional. ‘If that is the case then the constitution is window dressing set up to fool the international community,’ says Musa Hlophe

SADC Extraordinary Summit

2008-11-13T09:50:00.000+02:00

The MDC is shocked and saddened that the SADC Summit has failed to tackle these key issues. We remain committed to the agreement and peaceful resolution of the Zimbabwean crisis. The democratic voice and vote of the Zimbabwean people will one day be heard and respected – Morgan Tsvangirai

Diva Miriam Makeba

2008-11-13T09:47:00.000+02:00

The YCL learned with shock and sadness about the untimely passing on of renowned South African music diva Mama Miriam Makeba. May the present generations of musicians and performers draw a leaf from Makeba's progressive and rich music work.

Tribute to Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba

2008-11-13T09:43:00.000+02:00

Mama Miriam epitomised the essence of creative artists' contributions to national liberation struggle. Creative artists should take a leaf from Mama's inspiring life and stand up against all oppression, repression, suppression, and violation of human rights and freedoms across the world. – ANC YL

Miriam Makeba

2008-11-13T09:40:00.002+02:00

The Congress of South African Trade Unions joins the nation and the world in mourning the sad passing of Miriam Makeba. She was still singing the night she died. We send our condolences to her family, friends and millions of fans across the globe.

ANC mourns Miriam Makeba

2008-11-13T09:40:00.001+02:00

The African National Congress (ANC) is deeply saddened to learn of the death of world-acclaimed and legendary South African singer Miriam Makeba. We pay homage to "Mama Africa" as we have affectionately known her. The ANC extends its condolences to her family, friends and relatives.

ANC President on Miriam Makeba

2008-11-13T09:37:00.000+02:00

The ANC dips its banner in tribute to an African heroine, Miriam Zenzile Makeba, a freedom fighter and outstanding African cultural figure who passed away in Italy. The passing of this African songstress leaves a gaping hole in the cultural life of our country and the African continent. – Jacob Zuma

Collective Bargaining Conference

2008-11-13T09:34:00.000+02:00

The South African Municipal Workers Union [SAMWU] will be holding its National Collective Bargaining Conference in Mpumalanga from the 11-13 November 2008 in preparation for wage demands for the 2009/10 financial year.

Masiphumelele shooting

2008-11-09T06:58:00.000+02:00

Abdi Mubil, an Ethiopian man who had reintegrated from Soetwater, was shot dead in Masiphumelele on Saturday, a day before the Institute of Justice and Reconciliation was due to hand an award to the Masiphumelele Community Forum for facilitating return of residents and recovery of their looted possessions, after the May xenophobic attacks.

First day of voter registration

2008-11-08T22:26:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-08T22:25:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-08T09:58:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-08T09:53:00.001+02:00

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

2008-11-08T09:50:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-08T09:46:00.001+02:00

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

2008-11-08T09:40:00.001+02:00

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

2008-11-08T09:35:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-07T07:39:00.001+02:00

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

2008-11-07T07:31:00.000+02:00

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!

2008-11-07T07:27:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-07T07:21:00.002+02:00

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

2008-11-07T07:21:00.001+02:00

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

2008-11-07T07:03:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-07T07:02:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-06T08:07:00.001+02:00

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

2008-11-05T16:17:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-05T15:55:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-05T15:54:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-05T14:49:00.002+02:00

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

2008-11-05T14:49:00.001+02:00

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

2008-11-05T14:43:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-05T14:41:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-05T14:35:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-05T14:33:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-05T14:31:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-05T12:52:00.001+02:00

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

2008-11-05T12:28:00.001+02:00

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

2008-11-05T11:43:00.002+02:00

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

2008-11-05T11:43:00.001+02:00

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

2008-11-05T11:37:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-05T11:36:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-05T11:33:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-05T11:32:00.001+02:00

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

2008-11-04T08:29:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-04T08:26:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-04T08:20:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-04T08:19:00.000+02:00

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

2008-11-04T08:06:00.002+02:00

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

2008-11-02T21:32:00.002+02:00

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

2008-11-02T21:31:00.001+02:00

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

2008-11-02T18:12:00.001+02:00

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

2008-11-02T18:10:00.003+02:00

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

2008-11-02T18:10:00.001+02:00

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

2008-11-02T18:09:00.001+02:00

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.

Patrick Lekota and SAHRC

2008-10-31T07:53:00.000+02:00

Lekota continues to portray a picture that the ANC YL and the ANC will kill people. He is in essence accusing the ANC YL of an intention to literally kill people. The ANC YL will approach the South African Human Rights Commission to report Lekota for accusing our organization of being potential murderers.

NEHAWU NEC

2008-10-31T07:50:00.000+02:00

The National Executive Committee NEHAWU met on 30 October 2008 and considered the unfolding international and national political situation, as well as the looming round of wage negotiations in different sectors in which we are organising. Full report in COSATU Today.

The ‘SA National Convention’

2008-10-31T07:46:00.001+02:00

South Africans will see through the so-called ‘National Convention’ being convened this weekend by a clique of disgruntled former ANC members unable to accept the results of a democratic process. COSATU has questions for these born-again democrats. See them in full in COSATU Today.

ANC YL will not attend the convention

2008-10-30T16:40:00.000+02:00

ANC Youth League will not to attend the Convention with dissidents Patrick Lekota and Mbhazima Sam Shilowa, other liars and angry people, in Sandton, but will attend the ANC Rally in Jabulane on Sunday 2 November 2008 at 11h00 with Jacob Zuma; and other ANC events around the country this weekend.

To Convener of National Convention

2008-10-30T16:39:00.000+02:00

SATAWU has received your invitation to attend the convention. SATAWU will continue to mobilize its members against your convention regardless of what emerges out of it including the establishment of a rival federation. We shall redouble our efforts to ensure that the ANC retains its two thirds majority.

ANC YL visits Botswana and Zimbabwe

2008-10-30T16:05:00.001+02:00

ANC YL President Cde Julius Malema will lead a delegation of ANC YL NEC members to Botswana on 31 October to 2 November 2008 hosted by the Botswana Democratic Party Youth Wing. ANC YL Deputy President, Cde Andile Lungisa will lead a delegation to youth formations in Zimbabwe.

Lekota and George must account

2008-10-30T15:25:00.001+02:00

POPCRU would like to reiterate the call made by SASFU that both former chiefs of the SANDF, Mosiuoa Lekota and Mluleki George, should tell the country about the whereabouts of the weapons that disappeared during their tenure. The disappearance bordered on treason and coup d’état plotting.

Saving Our Planet

2008-10-30T14:25:00.001+02:00

Radical Left Network presents "Capitalist Barbarism or Eco-Socialism?" by Claire Ceruti, and panel discussions. Details:

Date: 8 November 2008 (Saturday)
Time: 09h00-17h00
Venue: Community House, Salt River, Cape Town

Coverage of ANC renegades

2008-10-30T13:40:00.000+02:00

YCL is perturbed by the all-out media coverage that the renegades within the ANC and the Alliance are receiving. They are enjoying prime time and prime position that even our country's President, Kgalema Motlanthe, does not occupy. We call for fair reporting in this time of elections.

Give credit to COSATU and the SACP

2008-10-30T13:39:00.000+02:00

Exchange controls played a role in insulating South Africa from global financial crisis. FAWU believes that the country is largely insulated from the global financial crisis is because of COSATU and the SACP's relentless opposition to the relaxation of exchange controls over the last twelve years.

Dispute on Discrimination

2008-10-30T13:20:00.000+02:00

COSATU Western Cape is appalled at the discrimination that Southern Wind Shipyard has applied to different categories of workers in respect of the payment of bonuses. We completely align ourselves to the workers on strike at this company, who are facing and fighting this apartheid-style discrimination.

Broadcast Digital Migration

2008-10-30T09:32:00.001+02:00

Digital Migration (BDM) is the process of converting the broadcast of television broadcasting signals from analogue to digital technology. In SA the switch-on will start on 1 November 2008 and the analogue switch-off on 1 November 2011. Digital signalling will free a lot of frequency spectrum. - CWU

Free Basic Electricity and Renewables

2008-10-30T09:10:00.000+02:00

On Thursday 30 October 2008, Earthlife Africa Johannesburg and the Anti-Privatisation Forum (APF) will be marching on the Department of Minerals & Energy, Eskom, and the City of Johannesburg. The march will start at 9:30am at Beyers Naude Square/Library Gardens, Market and Rissik Streets.

President Mbeki's Pledge of Allegiance

2008-10-30T08:58:00.000+02:00

FAWU welcomes former President, Thabo Mbeki's pledge of loyalty to the ANC and of distancing himself from the rich ANC renegades Shilowa and Lekota. We will proceed with our program of addressing general meetings of our members in factories, on farms, on board fishing vessels and other workplaces.

Eskom risk a wave of strike protests

2008-10-30T08:51:00.001+02:00

NUMSA chief shop steward Phutas Tseki warned that Eskom should brace itself for protests unless it discontinues its training college outsourcing project. The union also believes that the state has the ability to invest resources in training and development of employees instead of disposing the colleges.

Farewell to a Red Rose

2008-10-29T22:52:00.000+02:00

The YCL in the Northern Cape has learned with sadness of the death of its member Cde Nontsikelelo Sandi, who passed away last Thursday 23 October 2008, and pays tribute to this red rose that grew from the working class slums of Kuyasa Township. We send sincere condolences to her family.

NW Provincial Shop Stewards Council

2008-10-29T22:40:00.000+02:00

COSATU in the North West will be holding its Provincial Shop Stewards Council. We do not agree with the notion that white people will go out to kill, assault and shoot, and the state suspects that they are out of their minds. COSATU calls all its members to protect the federation against hooligan splitters.

Convenor of National Convention

2008-10-29T22:21:00.000+02:00

Shilowa proclaimed himself -appointed Convenor of the Convention. Where was democracy at that moment? I noticed the opposite. Cde Shilowa now mentions other reasons for such a gathering, realising how stupid it was to resign for the recall of Cde Mbeki. - S’dumo Dlamini, COSATU President.