30 April 2009
The 1st of May 2009 marks the 15th anniversary since Workers' Day was
celebrated in 1994. It is also a celebration of 15 years of our democracy which
is largely owed to the millions of workers, which without your support and
sweat we would have not heralded the kind of South Africa we have today.
Workers' Day is recognition of the struggle fought by many in the rank and
file of our alliance trade union partners and our workers all over, for rights,
a living wage and human dignity, among many achievements. We pay tribute to our
workers because, through you, we as representatives of our communities can
continue making with programmes to create jobs; closing the wage gap in some
sectors of our economy, allowing us to introduce minimum wages and prescribe
working conditions, among the many of our objectives.
You have never shied away from challenges to bring about a better life for
workers. You turned out in numbers at the polls on 22 April 2009. You have
played a fundamental role in building South Africa into what it is today. We
thank you and salute you for that and call on you to continue the heroic
struggle to bring about a better life for all.
The workers struggle is far from over. We will continue with programmes such
as rural and economic development, the emancipation of women, particularly
rural women, and ensuring that the youth build their lives in the economy. Our
ANC-led government has embarked on a vigorous programme to protect the most
vulnerable workers. This has resulted in the active role of women in a
previously male-dominated workplace. Women are now playing a central role in
shaping our economic growth, and have become captains of their destiny within
our economy and beyond.
The emancipation of women, particularly rural women, still remains at the
top of our agenda. Women continue to encounter injustices of unfair and abusive
labour practices, which are being addressed. We will ensure that youth
programmes are implemented to empower our young and, particularly, unemployed
graduates.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup also presents workers with a great economic opportunity
to participate in our shared economic growth and have their fair share of the
cake. The infrastructure and services being put in place will be a true
reflection of the sweat and efforts of the working class for generations to
come.
This is by no means exhaustive in addressing the challenges going forward.
More needs to be done to eradicate apartheidâs legacy of unemployment, poverty,
inequality and racism. Poverty and unemployment continue to be the greatest
challenges facing South Africa, and the working class in particular. The focus
of the ANCâs economic policy is the creation of decent work
opportunities.
For this to be achieved, it is necessary that the forces of democratic change
and progress are united and strong. We look to the workers alliance to assist
us with dealing with the socio-economic challenges facing our country.
With your vote on April 22, you have not shied away from challenges to bring
about a better life for workers. You have played a fundamental role in building
South Africa into what it is today. We salute you for that and call on you to
continue the heroic struggle to bring about a better life for all.
Long live the workers of South Africa. We pledge to contribute as much as we
can in our efforts to better the lives of all South Africans, especially the
poorest of the poor. We also pledge to intensify our struggle against the
eradication of illiteracy in our province, as our present efforts through our
Masifundisane Campaign demonstrate that such a goal can be achieved.
We also want to voice our recognition of the right of workers to safety at
the workplace, in a similar way as we voice our concern for the basic right of
food security for all. On this Workers' Day, we call on the workers in South
Africa to continue the fight and to transform South Africa into the country of
our dreams.
Together we can do more.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Premier's Spokesperson
Cell: 083 644 4050
E-mail: maistryl@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
30 April 2009
