Thousands of workers flocked to Curries Fountain in Durban to celebrate May Day 2005 and honour all those workers who sacrificed their lives in the course of struggle.
Apart from the international significance of May Day, workers were entertained with a feast of cultural activity and reminded of their heroic icons like Billy Nair, a former Robben Island prisoner, trade unionist and currently a member of the South African Communist Party. While workers crammed and occupied every available nook and corner at the stadium, a symbolic tide of red added colour to a very dilapidated Curries Fountain. Ironically it was this stadium that played host to non-racial soccer in the bad old days of apartheid, hosted hundreds and hundreds of protest marches during the early days of the Congress movement, attracted masses of workers and community activists to its 1974 Frelimo Rally, which was subsequently banned by the racist regime and was the scene for revival of May Day celebrations during the 1980s. Alas! Some things are quickly forgotten.
But the crowd responded favourably to the address by Younis Karrim, executive member of the SACP, when he called on them to defend their gains in the face of a global capital onslaught that has resulted in massive job losses, poverty and unemployment. But the star attraction of the day must surely go to the Deputy President Jacob Zuma, as the crowd, mesmerized by his appearance, broke out in simultaneous chorus and called on the President to take his place on the podium. ‘Zuma! Zuma! Zuma! Zuma!’ – and the President responded … and he sang much to the delight of the crowd, well wishers and VIPs that sat ceremoniously under a big white marquee.
If Jacob’s popularity is anything to go by, and he is certainly a favourite amongst the labour federation, then there is no guessing as to who is likely to be the next South African President … ‘Jacob! Jacob! Jacob!’ but he’s on Shaiky ground! The President and his entourage then left, and another May Day had come to pass.
Alliance echoes unity on workers’ dayFumanekile Phumaphi
On May 1, hundreds of workers gathered at Sisa Dukashe stadium in East London. Stands roared with the singing and toyi-toying of red-attired workers. Speakers from the tripartite alliance addressed the crowds. ANC MP, Mama Pemmy Majodina, dedicated the day to Ray Alexander, a founder member of the Food and Canning Workers Union (now Fawu) and a co-founder of the Federation of South African Women. Majodina highlighted that alliance partners can be revolutionary but will differ on ideas. “To sustain the alliance we must be united and work as a cohesive force,” she said.
A big thank you!
Thanks go to Manganese Metal Company and Delta EMD for helping transport workers to the Witbank May Day celebration. According to Numsa Nelspruit local organiser, Enock Nhlapo, the companies supported the union because of the Union’s “healthy and professional way of doing business”.
Meanwhile, although Assmang Chrome and ASA Metals did not assist, the Nelspruit local is confident that come December, they will assist with transport to Durban when Cosatu celebrates its 20th birthday.
The public works programme should be a visible programme she said. “Raping of women should be condemned and men should take the initiative.” She also urged that the “ANC must win convincingly in all the wards,” in the next local government elections. SACP Central Committee member, Lindelwa Dunywa, emphasised that alliance partners must ensure that the alliance remains strong.
Slating black economic empowerment as something that benefits the minority, she said that youth must be empowered and be part of all the alliance structures. She also urged all communists to go out in numbers and vote for the ANC in the coming local government elections.
Main speaker, Sadtu president Thulas Nxesi, opened his speech by pledging solidarity with workers of Swaziland, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. To applause from workers, he said that Zimbabwean workers must be given their rights and that Cosatu had nothing against their government. Back home he said that there was nothing to celebrate since the working class struggle continues. “We must ensure improvement in union service,” he said. Poor service was bad for union members.
Moving on to the ANC, he said that to strengthen the organisation, union members must “speak out about the wrongdoings of the ANC.” In a swipe at government officials, he said that, “we need to know who is stealing money” for child support grants, disability grants and who is misusing government vehicles.”Unity amongst alliance partners” was essential to ensure an ANC victory in the local government elections.