While Numsa celebrated its 15th birthday last year, Numsa's Bethlehem sub-local had its own event to mark 10 years of organisation in this small town on the edge of the eastern Free State . Veronica Mofokeng from the sub-local reports.
It was wonderful and enjoyable to reach these years. Most of the people were willing to see it, unfortunately they didn't. Comrades attended in their traditional dresses. There were dances like Mokgiba, ditolobonya, ndlamu and Mokorotho. Amongst our guests were members of the Cosatu Executive, SACP, affiliates and our accountable organiser, Joseph Mosia.
It was 1992 September, when Bethlehem sub-local officially launched. At that time, our leadership was as follows:
The late Merrian Mokoena – chairperson Amos Malakoane – Deputy chair Retrenched David Miya – Secretary Veronica Mofokeng – Deputy Secretary
I remember those days, we were so united, we attended general meetings on a monthly basis across locals. Every company had to ensure that it is represented, even if we had financial problems as shop stewards we had to go in the interests of mandates and feedback.
In September/October 1998, we were solid and concrete. Things went wrong right after the strike. We found that while we were outside the companies, the capitalists strategised to split workers into three or four shifts. Some even worked three days per week.
As a result of the five-week strike, workers faced extreme financial problems. It was a shock and it had a negative impact on our side. Some members even decided to leave the organisation. Other companies closed down, workers were retrenched. We struggled to get back to our previous performance.
Some were accused by employers, others found themselves in court. But because Numsa is Numsa we defeated the enemy easily. The ancestors of Numsa also stood on our side. Out of those challenges we managed to achieve and attain more membership.
We want to thank the Cosatu local for the support they gave us. We thank Elias Mashiloane who was the regional organiser, for his commitment. Above all, thanks to Alex Mkhulu Ramahlo on running education workshops in conjunction with Mashiloane, particularly in the Eastern Free State .
And God bless these comrades on their retirement. Tshiba Jeremia Mhlophela, Motaung Phillip Thorontho, Motsima Joseph and Mlangeni Joseph were all presented with Numsa long service certificates.
Source
Numsa News