As millions of people celebrated International Workers Day today, the Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen says there is nothing to celebrate with more than 11 million unemployed people in the country. He was delivering the main address at the party's May Day celebrations in Mitchells Plein in the Cape Flats.
NOTHING TO CELEBRATE
Steenhuisen said according to the expanded unemployment rate, over 11.7 million people now cannot find work in South Africa. "So, while Workers Day is an international holiday celebrated the world over, this day needs a different name in South Africa. Because of the ANC's legacy of destroying jobs, today should not be called Workers Day. In South Africa. Today is Workless Day. International Workers Day or May Day pays tribute to the historical struggle of workers and their trade unions for solidarity and fair employment standards.
VICTORY
A short distance from where the DA had their Workers Day rally, President Cyril Ramphosa addressed the Cosatu National Worker's Day rally at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.
He said they were gunning for victory as this celebration comes during the peak of electioneering. "On this Workers Day, as we celebrate 30years of democracy, let us reaffirm our shared determination to fight a South Africa that truly belongs to all who live in it, black or white," Ramaphosa said. He added that that this year's International Workers'Day is commemorated under the theme of 30 Years of Freedom.
"This year also marks the 133-year anniversary of May Day, a testament to the enduring legacy of the labour movement.The theme is centered around building a strong and united Cosatu as the union mobilises for an ANC electoral victory. The union promised to mobilise workers in the Western Cape to vote for the ANC in the May national election, "said the president. Meanwhile, ANC Deputy President, Paul Mashatile's address was disrupted after cables were cut during his address at the Workers Day rally in Rockville, Soweto. "Workers Day in South Africa carries its unique cultural significance. The public holiday has come to symbolise not only the sacrifices made in an arduous journey towards fair employment standards but also the fierce battle against apartheid, where trade and labour played a crucial role. Prior to the 1994 elections, labour and trade groups frequently used Workers Day as a rallying symbol against segregation and oppression of the apartheid regime, organising demonstrations and fostering widespread resistance. This day serves as a testament to their resilience and determination,' he said.
WORKERS DAY HISTORY IN SA
In South Africa, the journey began with the formation of the Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) in December 1985. The union's demand for May Day to be recognised as a public holiday and renamed WorkersDay was heeded by approximately 1.5 million workers.The workers were joined by thousands of learners, students, taxi drivers, hawkers, shopkeepers, domestic workers, and self employed and unemployed people," said the presidency. Workers Day has been officially acknowledged and commemorated in South Africa since the inaugural democratic government in 1994. The Department of Employment and Labour said the day serves dual purposes- a celebration of workers' rights and the role played by trade unions and communist parties.
