Advancing Social Transformation in the Era of Globalisation
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: July 2000
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/137600 , vital:37541
- Description: The COSATU Central Executive Committee Lekgotla endorsed this document in May 2000. It aims to initiate a discussion in COSATU and the democratic movement as a whole on the state of the transformation and our progress in taking forward the National Democratic Revolution (NDR). This process should inform the development of resolutions for COSATU's Seventh National Congress. The years since the transition to democracy in 1994 have seen fundamental shifts in the political economy of South Africa. These shifts present new challenges for COSATU and the democratic movement as a whole. To address them requires reflection on the basic trends in society and our strategies for pursuing the National Democratic Revolution (NDR). This document first reviews progress and setbacks in achieving these goals since the transition to democracy in 1994. In that context, it explores current attempts to rewrite the aims of the NDR. Above all, some groups want to redefine the NDR merely to provide equal opportunities for all, irrespective of race. This tendency would stop the NDR before it achieves more fundamental reconstruction and development toward a non-racial, nonsexist society on the basis of democ- ratisation of the state and the economy. After considering these issues, the document explores changes in the balance of power, in terms of the political arena, the nature of capital, international developments, the state and the Alliance. Finally, it points to some implications for the development of transformatory programmes by COSATU and the Alliance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: July 2000
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: July 2000
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/137600 , vital:37541
- Description: The COSATU Central Executive Committee Lekgotla endorsed this document in May 2000. It aims to initiate a discussion in COSATU and the democratic movement as a whole on the state of the transformation and our progress in taking forward the National Democratic Revolution (NDR). This process should inform the development of resolutions for COSATU's Seventh National Congress. The years since the transition to democracy in 1994 have seen fundamental shifts in the political economy of South Africa. These shifts present new challenges for COSATU and the democratic movement as a whole. To address them requires reflection on the basic trends in society and our strategies for pursuing the National Democratic Revolution (NDR). This document first reviews progress and setbacks in achieving these goals since the transition to democracy in 1994. In that context, it explores current attempts to rewrite the aims of the NDR. Above all, some groups want to redefine the NDR merely to provide equal opportunities for all, irrespective of race. This tendency would stop the NDR before it achieves more fundamental reconstruction and development toward a non-racial, nonsexist society on the basis of democ- ratisation of the state and the economy. After considering these issues, the document explores changes in the balance of power, in terms of the political arena, the nature of capital, international developments, the state and the Alliance. Finally, it points to some implications for the development of transformatory programmes by COSATU and the Alliance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: July 2000
Behind the barricades
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172098 , vital:42159
- Description: I saw a badly injured and handcuffed man pushed down the stairs of Cosatu House in central Johannesburg during this week’s police siege. After hitting the bottom of the stairs head first with a dull thud, he lay still. A young policeman moved up to him and hit him once on the rib with rubber pick-handle. The man didn't stir. He was dragged on the ground to a police truck before being thrown in head first.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172098 , vital:42159
- Description: I saw a badly injured and handcuffed man pushed down the stairs of Cosatu House in central Johannesburg during this week’s police siege. After hitting the bottom of the stairs head first with a dull thud, he lay still. A young policeman moved up to him and hit him once on the rib with rubber pick-handle. The man didn't stir. He was dragged on the ground to a police truck before being thrown in head first.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
BI-Annual National Conference - Fisheries Policy and Response to White Paper
- Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU)
- Authors: Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU)
- Date: 1997
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/110077 , vital:33221
- Description: This paper is intended to serve as an aid to discussion in the Commission dealing with Sea Fisheries. Accordingly, its various sections provide an overview of the key issues which can inform discussion. Historically, access to marine resources was unrestricted. In order to facilitate the monopolisation of the fishing resource by a few white companies, a system of quotas was introduced. In this way many black fisher folk lost the access rights they had had for generations. At the present time, the fishing industry is completely biased in favour of a few large and medium sized white companies. This is illustrated by the fact that just three (3) companies hold;72% of the hake quota ;75% of the abalone quota , and 71 % of the sole quota. Overall , across all species, approximately nine tenths (9/10) of the resource is controlled by a hand-full of companies. Since 1994, some of these companies have attempted to blacken their faces. They have also sold minority shares to some, black business consortia. Further, a few members of the black elite have been given quotas. None of the above amounts to any kind of restructuring. None of the historic imbalances have been addressed. The above have merely been attempts to confuse the issue and to frustrate any process that attempts to restructure the industry. Prior to, and after the 1994 election, there were various initiatives by Alliance members to outline an equitable and just policy of reconstruction and development for the fishing industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1997
- Authors: Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU)
- Date: 1997
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/110077 , vital:33221
- Description: This paper is intended to serve as an aid to discussion in the Commission dealing with Sea Fisheries. Accordingly, its various sections provide an overview of the key issues which can inform discussion. Historically, access to marine resources was unrestricted. In order to facilitate the monopolisation of the fishing resource by a few white companies, a system of quotas was introduced. In this way many black fisher folk lost the access rights they had had for generations. At the present time, the fishing industry is completely biased in favour of a few large and medium sized white companies. This is illustrated by the fact that just three (3) companies hold;72% of the hake quota ;75% of the abalone quota , and 71 % of the sole quota. Overall , across all species, approximately nine tenths (9/10) of the resource is controlled by a hand-full of companies. Since 1994, some of these companies have attempted to blacken their faces. They have also sold minority shares to some, black business consortia. Further, a few members of the black elite have been given quotas. None of the above amounts to any kind of restructuring. None of the historic imbalances have been addressed. The above have merely been attempts to confuse the issue and to frustrate any process that attempts to restructure the industry. Prior to, and after the 1994 election, there were various initiatives by Alliance members to outline an equitable and just policy of reconstruction and development for the fishing industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1997
Biggest strike in T&G history
- Authors: COSATU, TGWU
- Date: July 1990
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/115514 , vital:34151
- Description: Cleaners in T&G Natal are angry and want to see change now! So cleaners from 11 different companies came together and decided to make demands to the bosses. On 25 May about 3000 cleaners came out on strike, but by the middle of the strike about 7000 cleaners were on strike. Most of the strikers were women. The most important demand was for a living wage. In the Durban area the wage determination gives cleaners R379 a month. But many bosses pay less than R379 and these bosses know it is against the law. On top of the low wage the bosses make cleaners buy their own uniforms, but the wage determination says the bosses must buy these uniforms. All of the strikers come from contract cleaning companies like Sneller, Supercare, Pritchards, Regent, Mrs Mop, Clean-It, Keep Clean, North Coast Cleaners, Floline, and Durban Property Services. These companies send cleaners out to clean in other companies and get money in return. But cleaners see little of the money their bosses make from their hard work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: July 1990
- Authors: COSATU, TGWU
- Date: July 1990
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/115514 , vital:34151
- Description: Cleaners in T&G Natal are angry and want to see change now! So cleaners from 11 different companies came together and decided to make demands to the bosses. On 25 May about 3000 cleaners came out on strike, but by the middle of the strike about 7000 cleaners were on strike. Most of the strikers were women. The most important demand was for a living wage. In the Durban area the wage determination gives cleaners R379 a month. But many bosses pay less than R379 and these bosses know it is against the law. On top of the low wage the bosses make cleaners buy their own uniforms, but the wage determination says the bosses must buy these uniforms. All of the strikers come from contract cleaning companies like Sneller, Supercare, Pritchards, Regent, Mrs Mop, Clean-It, Keep Clean, North Coast Cleaners, Floline, and Durban Property Services. These companies send cleaners out to clean in other companies and get money in return. But cleaners see little of the money their bosses make from their hard work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: July 1990
Budgeting people's needs
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Feb 2003
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/134973 , vital:37223
- Description: We hear a lot about the budget as an important expression of government policy. But what is the budget, what does it tell us about government programmes, and how can we influence it? This booklet aims: To support broader understanding and debate on budgets and fiscal policy as the basis for improving the public’s ability to hold government accountable; To explain debates on and key concepts in fiscal policy, budget reform and government expenditure on major programmes; and In that context, to explain the proposals in the People’s Budget and how the People’s Budget Campaign works. The People’s Budget Campaign is supported by a coalition of COSATU, the South African Council of Churches (SACC) and the South African NGO Coalition (SANGOCO). The People’s Budget Campaign seeks to help people understand the budget better. Based on broad discussions and hearings, it works to develop proposals to improve government spending programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Feb 2003
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Feb 2003
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/134973 , vital:37223
- Description: We hear a lot about the budget as an important expression of government policy. But what is the budget, what does it tell us about government programmes, and how can we influence it? This booklet aims: To support broader understanding and debate on budgets and fiscal policy as the basis for improving the public’s ability to hold government accountable; To explain debates on and key concepts in fiscal policy, budget reform and government expenditure on major programmes; and In that context, to explain the proposals in the People’s Budget and how the People’s Budget Campaign works. The People’s Budget Campaign is supported by a coalition of COSATU, the South African Council of Churches (SACC) and the South African NGO Coalition (SANGOCO). The People’s Budget Campaign seeks to help people understand the budget better. Based on broad discussions and hearings, it works to develop proposals to improve government spending programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Feb 2003
Building COSATU in the mid 1990's Back to Basics Campaign
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: May 1994
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109813 , vital:33192
- Description: Elections arc now behind. For the first time In our history ire hove a government elected by the majority of the people. There Is no doubt the ANC led government will he sympathetic to labour in particular COSATU. The time Is has arrive to build COS A TU. The challenge facing the leadership of COSATU is how do ire maintain the high moral ground we have occupied since COSATU was formed in 1985. How do ire continue lo be a .strong organisation and how to ire improve on the strengths ire have. The role of COSATU after elections is dealt with In the discussion paper "Towards the long term strategy". With apartheid behind us and with the programme in place dealing with what ire are going lo replace apartheid with, the focus of all Is what COSATU's role going to be. The main function of COSATU will remain coordination of work of its affiliates. The main work of affiliates will be collective bargaining, living wage campaign and meeting basic needs of our people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: May 1994
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: May 1994
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109813 , vital:33192
- Description: Elections arc now behind. For the first time In our history ire hove a government elected by the majority of the people. There Is no doubt the ANC led government will he sympathetic to labour in particular COSATU. The time Is has arrive to build COS A TU. The challenge facing the leadership of COSATU is how do ire maintain the high moral ground we have occupied since COSATU was formed in 1985. How do ire continue lo be a .strong organisation and how to ire improve on the strengths ire have. The role of COSATU after elections is dealt with In the discussion paper "Towards the long term strategy". With apartheid behind us and with the programme in place dealing with what ire are going lo replace apartheid with, the focus of all Is what COSATU's role going to be. The main function of COSATU will remain coordination of work of its affiliates. The main work of affiliates will be collective bargaining, living wage campaign and meeting basic needs of our people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: May 1994
Childcare in the workplace
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/250640 , vital:52034
- Description: In this booklet, the Labour Rights for Women (LRW) campaign looks at Childcare in the Workplace in South Africa. Nearly all working parents face the challenge of finding safe, appropriate childcare for their children while they work. In the past, women were traditionally seen as the primary carers of their children, with their work and careers coming second to their roles as mothers. But as the face of the workplace changes, many more women are in fulltime employment. Many more women also work in the informal sector. And many more women are developing their own career paths. In South Africa especially, many more women are also becoming the primary wage earners in their families, and many are also single parents. This means that changes in childcare policy and practice in the workplace are necessary. If parents, especially women, are to be productive members of the workforce whose contribution is taken seriously, they need a functioning system of childcare in the workplace to support them.
- Full Text:
- Authors: COSATU
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/250640 , vital:52034
- Description: In this booklet, the Labour Rights for Women (LRW) campaign looks at Childcare in the Workplace in South Africa. Nearly all working parents face the challenge of finding safe, appropriate childcare for their children while they work. In the past, women were traditionally seen as the primary carers of their children, with their work and careers coming second to their roles as mothers. But as the face of the workplace changes, many more women are in fulltime employment. Many more women also work in the informal sector. And many more women are developing their own career paths. In South Africa especially, many more women are also becoming the primary wage earners in their families, and many are also single parents. This means that changes in childcare policy and practice in the workplace are necessary. If parents, especially women, are to be productive members of the workforce whose contribution is taken seriously, they need a functioning system of childcare in the workplace to support them.
- Full Text:
Congress of South African Trade Unions Education Conference
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Oct 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135230 , vital:37250
- Description: The education struggle has always had an important place in our liberation struggle. For as long as can be remembered, the oppressed and exploited have been fighting against bantu education and for control over our own education. As our struggles intensified, so our education demands became clearer. In the late 1980s the demand is for people's education which serves the needs of the oppressed. In the early 1980s the demand was for equal education. The growth of working class organisation in the factories and townships, coupled with the Frelimo and MPLA victories, encouraged deeper discussion of the role of education in the struggle for socialism. After the historic National Education Crisis Committee (NECC) conference, there came a clear and united call for people's education and for democratising all educational institutions so that students, teachers and parents could build joint control over education. In 1985 COSATU was launched with the words: "A giant has risen." COSATU has since grown very quickly, challenging the bosses and taking organised workers to the frontline of the struggle. The first National Congress in July 1987 showed that COSATU mergers and campaigns had made the federation much stronger. However, the conference noted that education structures in COSATU and within many affiliates remained weak. It was decided that an Education Conference be called to give direction and a new push to worker education in the federation. The conference looked at the main areas covered in our resolutions : COSATU Courses, Peoples Education, Media, Women and Culture. This booklet gives a record of the discussions and strong resolutions taken at the conference, where every union and every region of COSATU was represented. When we read this booklet, we must ask ourselves: Have we implemented the resolutions taken? How much progress has been made? We have a short time left until the next Education Conference (in October 1989) where we will assess what progress has been made. This booklet is for discussion and debate. It must be a tool that we use to build education in the unions. It must be a weapon for turning our resolutions into reality; our theory into practice; our commitment into struggle.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Oct 1987
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Oct 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135230 , vital:37250
- Description: The education struggle has always had an important place in our liberation struggle. For as long as can be remembered, the oppressed and exploited have been fighting against bantu education and for control over our own education. As our struggles intensified, so our education demands became clearer. In the late 1980s the demand is for people's education which serves the needs of the oppressed. In the early 1980s the demand was for equal education. The growth of working class organisation in the factories and townships, coupled with the Frelimo and MPLA victories, encouraged deeper discussion of the role of education in the struggle for socialism. After the historic National Education Crisis Committee (NECC) conference, there came a clear and united call for people's education and for democratising all educational institutions so that students, teachers and parents could build joint control over education. In 1985 COSATU was launched with the words: "A giant has risen." COSATU has since grown very quickly, challenging the bosses and taking organised workers to the frontline of the struggle. The first National Congress in July 1987 showed that COSATU mergers and campaigns had made the federation much stronger. However, the conference noted that education structures in COSATU and within many affiliates remained weak. It was decided that an Education Conference be called to give direction and a new push to worker education in the federation. The conference looked at the main areas covered in our resolutions : COSATU Courses, Peoples Education, Media, Women and Culture. This booklet gives a record of the discussions and strong resolutions taken at the conference, where every union and every region of COSATU was represented. When we read this booklet, we must ask ourselves: Have we implemented the resolutions taken? How much progress has been made? We have a short time left until the next Education Conference (in October 1989) where we will assess what progress has been made. This booklet is for discussion and debate. It must be a tool that we use to build education in the unions. It must be a weapon for turning our resolutions into reality; our theory into practice; our commitment into struggle.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Oct 1987
Constitution of COSATU
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154382 , vital:39693
- Description: We the Trade Union representatives here present firmly commit ourselves to a unified democratic South Africa, free of oppression and economic exploitation. We believe that this can only be achieved under the leadership of a united working class. Our history has taught us that to achieve this goal we will have to carry out the following tasks: To organise the unorganised workers and build effective trade unions based on the democratic organisation of workers in the factories, mines, shops, farms and other workplaces. Organise national industrial trade unions, financed and controlled by their worker members through democratically elected committees.
- Full Text:
- Authors: COSATU
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154382 , vital:39693
- Description: We the Trade Union representatives here present firmly commit ourselves to a unified democratic South Africa, free of oppression and economic exploitation. We believe that this can only be achieved under the leadership of a united working class. Our history has taught us that to achieve this goal we will have to carry out the following tasks: To organise the unorganised workers and build effective trade unions based on the democratic organisation of workers in the factories, mines, shops, farms and other workplaces. Organise national industrial trade unions, financed and controlled by their worker members through democratically elected committees.
- Full Text:
COSATU 6th National Congress
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Sep 1997
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109662 , vital:33165
- Description: Cosatu's Sixth National Congress held over four days from 1 6-1 9 September was on the surface a fairly well run operation in which Cosatu, with the involvement of the SACP, effectively drew the battle-lines with respect to its ANC alliance partner on the question of its Growth, Employment and Redistribution macro-economic policy - GEAR. The Congress also laid the groundwork in preparation for the ANC's upcoming December National Conference where socialists are expected to make a determined push in getting elected onto the ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC), as well as influence ANC strategy and tactics to counter the emergent Africanist grouping which threatens to dilute the ANC's working class bias. The Congress further saw Cosatu clearly attempt to reassert its socialist vision. Using its recently released September Commission Report as a basis for policy formulation, a decision was made that Cosatu should play an active part in the economy and the development of the country. This included Cosatu's involvement in areas such as industrial development strategy, changing investment patterns and new forms of management. The Congress, however, also witnessed the humiliating defeat of carefully crafted motions and much unfinished business concerning the finalisation of critical resolutions and debates raised from the floor. Cosatu's senior leaders including John Gomomo (President), Sam Shilowa (General Secretary) and Zwelinzima Vavi (Deputy General Secretary), were often caught wrong-footed by debates from the floor which countermanded positions thought out prior to the conference by the executive committee. The most embarrassing moment came for Cosatu's leadership when a recommendation to implement a gender quota was rejected by most affiliates, including women delegates themselves. Prior to the Congress, it had been recommended by the September Commission that the federation and its affiliates should adopt a quota system for women. A target had been set of 50 percent representation in all structures by the year 2 000. Mindful of the implications this held for the national affirmative action debate, Cosatu's leadership tried to side- track the issue for a later resolution but were rebuffed by the delegates. Similarly, the debate around globalisation took up a considerable amount of time, which led to Gomomo attempting to bring the debate to a speedy resolution. That in turn resulted in his censure from the floor. Earlier, Shilowa had embarrassed himself when he inadvertently seemed to state that he supported globalisation only to be reminded by the delegates that that was not Cosatu's position
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Sep 1997
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Sep 1997
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109662 , vital:33165
- Description: Cosatu's Sixth National Congress held over four days from 1 6-1 9 September was on the surface a fairly well run operation in which Cosatu, with the involvement of the SACP, effectively drew the battle-lines with respect to its ANC alliance partner on the question of its Growth, Employment and Redistribution macro-economic policy - GEAR. The Congress also laid the groundwork in preparation for the ANC's upcoming December National Conference where socialists are expected to make a determined push in getting elected onto the ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC), as well as influence ANC strategy and tactics to counter the emergent Africanist grouping which threatens to dilute the ANC's working class bias. The Congress further saw Cosatu clearly attempt to reassert its socialist vision. Using its recently released September Commission Report as a basis for policy formulation, a decision was made that Cosatu should play an active part in the economy and the development of the country. This included Cosatu's involvement in areas such as industrial development strategy, changing investment patterns and new forms of management. The Congress, however, also witnessed the humiliating defeat of carefully crafted motions and much unfinished business concerning the finalisation of critical resolutions and debates raised from the floor. Cosatu's senior leaders including John Gomomo (President), Sam Shilowa (General Secretary) and Zwelinzima Vavi (Deputy General Secretary), were often caught wrong-footed by debates from the floor which countermanded positions thought out prior to the conference by the executive committee. The most embarrassing moment came for Cosatu's leadership when a recommendation to implement a gender quota was rejected by most affiliates, including women delegates themselves. Prior to the Congress, it had been recommended by the September Commission that the federation and its affiliates should adopt a quota system for women. A target had been set of 50 percent representation in all structures by the year 2 000. Mindful of the implications this held for the national affirmative action debate, Cosatu's leadership tried to side- track the issue for a later resolution but were rebuffed by the delegates. Similarly, the debate around globalisation took up a considerable amount of time, which led to Gomomo attempting to bring the debate to a speedy resolution. That in turn resulted in his censure from the floor. Earlier, Shilowa had embarrassed himself when he inadvertently seemed to state that he supported globalisation only to be reminded by the delegates that that was not Cosatu's position
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Sep 1997
COSATU constitution as amended at COSATU 2nd National Congress l987
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109708 , vital:33182
- Description: We the Trade Union representatives here present firmiy commit ourselves to a unified democratic South Africa, free of oppression and economic exploitation. We believe that this can only be achieved under the leadership of a united working class. Our history has taught us that to achieve this goal we will have to carry out the following tasks. To organise the unorganised workers and build effective trade unions based on the democratic organisation of workers in the factories, mines, shops, farms and other workplaces. Organise national industrial trade unions, financed and controlled by their worker members through democratically elected committees. Unify these industrial unions into a national worker controlled federation. Combat the divisions amongst the workers of South Africa and unite them into a strong and confident working class. Encourage democratic worker organisation and leadership in all spheres of our society together with other progressive sectors of the community. Reinforce and encourage progressive international worker contact and solidarity so as to assist one another in our struggles.We call on all those who identify with this commitment to join us and the workers whom we represent as comrades in the struggle ahead. We call on all trade unions to strive to unite their members in their ranks without discrimination and prejudice, and therefore resolve that this federation shall determinedly seek to further and protect the interests of all workers and that its guiding motto shall be the universal slogan of working class solidarity: "AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109708 , vital:33182
- Description: We the Trade Union representatives here present firmiy commit ourselves to a unified democratic South Africa, free of oppression and economic exploitation. We believe that this can only be achieved under the leadership of a united working class. Our history has taught us that to achieve this goal we will have to carry out the following tasks. To organise the unorganised workers and build effective trade unions based on the democratic organisation of workers in the factories, mines, shops, farms and other workplaces. Organise national industrial trade unions, financed and controlled by their worker members through democratically elected committees. Unify these industrial unions into a national worker controlled federation. Combat the divisions amongst the workers of South Africa and unite them into a strong and confident working class. Encourage democratic worker organisation and leadership in all spheres of our society together with other progressive sectors of the community. Reinforce and encourage progressive international worker contact and solidarity so as to assist one another in our struggles.We call on all those who identify with this commitment to join us and the workers whom we represent as comrades in the struggle ahead. We call on all trade unions to strive to unite their members in their ranks without discrimination and prejudice, and therefore resolve that this federation shall determinedly seek to further and protect the interests of all workers and that its guiding motto shall be the universal slogan of working class solidarity: "AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
COSATU Constitution as amended at the 4th National Congress
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135027 , vital:37228
- Description: We the Trade Union representatives here present firmly commit ourselves to a unified democratic South Africa, free of oppression and economic exploitation. We believe that this could only be achieved under the leadership of a united working class. Our history has taught us that to achieve this goal we will have to carry out the following tasks : Organise the unorganised and build effective trade unions based on the democratic organisation of workers in the factories, mines, shops, farms and other workplaces. Organise national industrial trade unions, financed and controlled by their worker members through democratically committees. Unify these industrial unions into a national worker controlled federation. Combat the divisions amongst the workers of South Africa and unite them into a strong and confident working class. Encourage democratic worker organisation and leadership in all spheres of our society together with other progressive sectors of the community. Reinforce and encourage progressive international worker contact and solidarity so as to assist one another in our struggle. We call on all those who identify with this commitment to join us and the workers whom we represent, as comrades in the struggle ahead. We call on all trade unions to strive to unite their members in their ranks without discrimination and prejudice, and therefore resolve that this federation shall determinedly seek to further and protect the interests of all workers and that its guiding motto shall be the universal slogan of working class solidarity: "An injury to one is an injury to all".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135027 , vital:37228
- Description: We the Trade Union representatives here present firmly commit ourselves to a unified democratic South Africa, free of oppression and economic exploitation. We believe that this could only be achieved under the leadership of a united working class. Our history has taught us that to achieve this goal we will have to carry out the following tasks : Organise the unorganised and build effective trade unions based on the democratic organisation of workers in the factories, mines, shops, farms and other workplaces. Organise national industrial trade unions, financed and controlled by their worker members through democratically committees. Unify these industrial unions into a national worker controlled federation. Combat the divisions amongst the workers of South Africa and unite them into a strong and confident working class. Encourage democratic worker organisation and leadership in all spheres of our society together with other progressive sectors of the community. Reinforce and encourage progressive international worker contact and solidarity so as to assist one another in our struggle. We call on all those who identify with this commitment to join us and the workers whom we represent, as comrades in the struggle ahead. We call on all trade unions to strive to unite their members in their ranks without discrimination and prejudice, and therefore resolve that this federation shall determinedly seek to further and protect the interests of all workers and that its guiding motto shall be the universal slogan of working class solidarity: "An injury to one is an injury to all".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
COSATU Discussion document : Commissions
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Mar 2012
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135190 , vital:37246
- Description: COSATU, along with other alliance partners, was very instrumental in the creation of national gender machinery that was put in place by the democratic state after 1994. COSATU was part of a very important meeting held in 1995 to discuss national gender machinery which was held at the World Trade Centre. This meeting concluded on a Commission for Gender Equality, the Office of the Status of Women and the mainstreaming of gender in society. The South African women’s conference held in Amsterdam from 13-18 January 1990 and tagged, “Malibongwe Women’s Conference” was a pivotal point in South African women’s history. This conference was able to discuss the preferred role of women in South African politics and society. The conference analysed the challenges faced by women and proposed a number of resolutions to address with women’s emancipation as well as gender equality. These focused on working women; education, health, culture, family, women’s unity, natal violence and repression. “The subsequent programme of action gave the notion of a struggle for ‘non-sexism’ greater prominence, and recognised that national liberation did ‘not automatically guarantee the emancipation of women.’” This was a pioneered the discussions on the establishment of national gender machinery in line with global democratic practice and the mainstreaming of gender across society and its institutions in order to avoid the “ghettoisation” or marginalization of women and women’s issues in South African society. These discussions were initiated by the Women’s National Coalition (WNC). As the negotiations for South Africa’s transition to democracy started two to three years before democracy, women found themselves marginalized once again. They quickly formed the Women National Coalition which was able to push for women’s inclusion in the negotiations processes as well s to fight for women’sissues to find their way onto the negotiations’ agenda. The Women National Coalition was able to do this very effectively as it had established a “Negotiations Monitoring Team which provided reports and information to Women National Coalition member organisations”. Through this coalition, a “Women’s Charter for Effective Equality” was developed built on the back of the “Women’s Charter” that was developed in 1954 by the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW). The coalition continued to exist and to provide leadership and to draw on the resolutions of the Amsterdam Women’s Conference. This ensured that an even broader consultation took place amongst women back home in South Africa to strengthen the Amsterdam resolutions and to put a plan in place for the implementation of new WNC resolutions, hence the constitution was able to include women’s concerns including the inclusion of a Commission for Gender Equality amongst the institutions referred to in Chapter 9 of the South African constitution. The Presidency was also given the mandate of being in charge of the gender programme and in this office the Office of the Status of Women was located.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Mar 2012
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Mar 2012
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135190 , vital:37246
- Description: COSATU, along with other alliance partners, was very instrumental in the creation of national gender machinery that was put in place by the democratic state after 1994. COSATU was part of a very important meeting held in 1995 to discuss national gender machinery which was held at the World Trade Centre. This meeting concluded on a Commission for Gender Equality, the Office of the Status of Women and the mainstreaming of gender in society. The South African women’s conference held in Amsterdam from 13-18 January 1990 and tagged, “Malibongwe Women’s Conference” was a pivotal point in South African women’s history. This conference was able to discuss the preferred role of women in South African politics and society. The conference analysed the challenges faced by women and proposed a number of resolutions to address with women’s emancipation as well as gender equality. These focused on working women; education, health, culture, family, women’s unity, natal violence and repression. “The subsequent programme of action gave the notion of a struggle for ‘non-sexism’ greater prominence, and recognised that national liberation did ‘not automatically guarantee the emancipation of women.’” This was a pioneered the discussions on the establishment of national gender machinery in line with global democratic practice and the mainstreaming of gender across society and its institutions in order to avoid the “ghettoisation” or marginalization of women and women’s issues in South African society. These discussions were initiated by the Women’s National Coalition (WNC). As the negotiations for South Africa’s transition to democracy started two to three years before democracy, women found themselves marginalized once again. They quickly formed the Women National Coalition which was able to push for women’s inclusion in the negotiations processes as well s to fight for women’sissues to find their way onto the negotiations’ agenda. The Women National Coalition was able to do this very effectively as it had established a “Negotiations Monitoring Team which provided reports and information to Women National Coalition member organisations”. Through this coalition, a “Women’s Charter for Effective Equality” was developed built on the back of the “Women’s Charter” that was developed in 1954 by the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW). The coalition continued to exist and to provide leadership and to draw on the resolutions of the Amsterdam Women’s Conference. This ensured that an even broader consultation took place amongst women back home in South Africa to strengthen the Amsterdam resolutions and to put a plan in place for the implementation of new WNC resolutions, hence the constitution was able to include women’s concerns including the inclusion of a Commission for Gender Equality amongst the institutions referred to in Chapter 9 of the South African constitution. The Presidency was also given the mandate of being in charge of the gender programme and in this office the Office of the Status of Women was located.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Mar 2012
COSATU Executive committee press statement - 20 AUGUST 1998
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Aug 1998
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109688 , vital:33169
- Description: The Executive Committee met in its normal session on 18 - 19 August 1998. It received reports on a range of socio-economic and political issues. As is always the case, discussions were conducted in a true tradition of the federation - comradeship, frankness, robust and constructive. A number of decisions were taken by the meeting, some of which are contained in this statement. The meeting received a report on meetings held with Old Mutual and Sanlam respectively. The meeting reaffirmed COSATU’s opposition to demutualisation on political and economic grounds and regretted the fact that the portfolio committee had gone ahead to finalise the bills dealing with demutualisation inspite of being informed about discussions currently taking place with the two mutual companies. We remain of the view that it would help the parliamentary process had this process been allowed to proceed to its final conclusion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Aug 1998
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Aug 1998
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109688 , vital:33169
- Description: The Executive Committee met in its normal session on 18 - 19 August 1998. It received reports on a range of socio-economic and political issues. As is always the case, discussions were conducted in a true tradition of the federation - comradeship, frankness, robust and constructive. A number of decisions were taken by the meeting, some of which are contained in this statement. The meeting received a report on meetings held with Old Mutual and Sanlam respectively. The meeting reaffirmed COSATU’s opposition to demutualisation on political and economic grounds and regretted the fact that the portfolio committee had gone ahead to finalise the bills dealing with demutualisation inspite of being informed about discussions currently taking place with the two mutual companies. We remain of the view that it would help the parliamentary process had this process been allowed to proceed to its final conclusion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Aug 1998
COSATU Hymns - Translation Zulu to English
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English, Zulu
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/153842 , vital:39527
- Description: SANIBONANI NONKE FOSATU (X2) SIYANIBINGELELA NONKE NGO 1985 (X2) We greet you all FOSATU we greet you all in 1985 SIYANIBINGELELA NONKE NGO 1985 (X4) We greet you all in 1985.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1985
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English, Zulu
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/153842 , vital:39527
- Description: SANIBONANI NONKE FOSATU (X2) SIYANIBINGELELA NONKE NGO 1985 (X2) We greet you all FOSATU we greet you all in 1985 SIYANIBINGELELA NONKE NGO 1985 (X4) We greet you all in 1985.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1985
COSATU Political Discussion Paper
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Feb 1991
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109650 , vital:33164
- Description: This discussion paper is being issued seven months after the 7th National Congress. The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of February 12 to 14, 2001 debated it, and felt that with minor changes it should be issued to COSATU structures and members for debates on the current political situation. This paper is presented to the members and structures of COSATU as a political discussion paper for 2001. A further detailed political discussion will take place in the November 2001 CEC. As the last CEC of 2001, it will be expected to take stock of the political situation, taking into account issues raised here. The February CEC took place almost five months after the Seventh National Congress. The Congress was a watershed moment and a turning noint in the life of the organisation. For 'months"before as well as xiuriiig the- Congress itself, our members and the public focused on the Congress deliberations and discussions. In political terms, this process underlined the central role played by COSATU in the post-apartheid political landscape
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Feb 1991
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Feb 1991
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109650 , vital:33164
- Description: This discussion paper is being issued seven months after the 7th National Congress. The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of February 12 to 14, 2001 debated it, and felt that with minor changes it should be issued to COSATU structures and members for debates on the current political situation. This paper is presented to the members and structures of COSATU as a political discussion paper for 2001. A further detailed political discussion will take place in the November 2001 CEC. As the last CEC of 2001, it will be expected to take stock of the political situation, taking into account issues raised here. The February CEC took place almost five months after the Seventh National Congress. The Congress was a watershed moment and a turning noint in the life of the organisation. For 'months"before as well as xiuriiig the- Congress itself, our members and the public focused on the Congress deliberations and discussions. In political terms, this process underlined the central role played by COSATU in the post-apartheid political landscape
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Feb 1991