COSATU Today 11 November 2009

The ANC YL has disagreed with the approach of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on the ESKOM situation. The statements of the General Secretary of the NUM are completely different from what workers in ESKOM are saying. Workers in ESKOM have constantly raised concern over the victimisation of Jacob Maroga, and even had a protest march against ESKOM Board’s victimisation of Jacob Maroga. Recurrently, workers have spoken in support of the transformation agenda in ESKOM.

The NUM General Secretary has, despite workers’ action in ESKOM, decided to join those who are spokespersons of capitalists and blindly defend Bobby Godsell. The ANC YL will permanently have a problem with leaders who sit in air-conditioned offices, trade their originality and defend capitalists’ interests against the transformation agenda in the economy. Bobby Godsell has resigned as Chairperson of the ESKOM Board and Jacob Maroga has not resigned, so the sooner the NUM accepts such reality the better.

The ANC YL will stop at nothing at defending the principles of transformation in State Owned Enterprises and will never be deviated by Spokespeople of White monopoly capital in South Africa. We are concerned because the NUM has joined others in defending the owners of mines, even on the nationalisation debate.

2.2 PPC confesses to being part of a cement cartel and gets conditional leniency

Keitumetse Letebele, Competition Commission’s HOD: Communications, 11 November 2009

The Competition Commission has granted Pretoria Portland Cement Company Ltd (“PPC”) conditional leniency from prosecution under the Competition Act, in exchange for PPC’s complete and truthful disclosure of all cartel activities between PPC and its competitors.

PPC applied for leniency shortly after the Commission raided and seized documents and electronic data from PPC’s premises and those of its competitors Lafarge Industries South Africa (“Lafarge”), AfriSam Consortium (Pty) Ltd (“AfriSam”) and Natal Portland Cement Cimpor (Pty) Ltd (“NPC”) on 24 June this year. The raids were in pursuance of the Commission’s investigation of possible collusion in the cement industry.

In its application for leniency PPC confirmed the existence of a cartel to divide markets among the four cement producers. According to this information, the four cement producers agreed to divide the cement market amongst themselves in order to maintain the market shares that each producer held prior to 1996 when a lawful cement cartel existed and was regulated by exemptions to the competition legislation. The agreement was implemented up until this year through highly disaggregated sales information each producer submitted to the Cement and Concrete Institute of South Africa (“C&CI”) through an audit firm appointed by C&CI. The four cement producers are the main members of C&CI.

In addition, there was an agreement that PPC would not compete in the Northern Natal market in exchange for Lafarge not competing with PPC in the Botswana market.

In exchange for immunity from prosecution PPC has agreed to cooperate fully with the Commission until the investigation and Tribunal proceedings are finalised. In terms of the agreement reached PPC must also stop its involvement in cartel activity and refrain from submitting competition sensitive information to the C&CI.

The problem with competitors dividing markets between themselves is that they successfully shield themselves from competition and can thus price above competitive levels with no opposition or alternative from a competitor.

The Commission will now proceed with its further investigation of this matter with PPC’s cooperation.

2.3 COSATU regrets Godsell’s departure

Patrick Craven COSATU’s National Spokesperson, 10 November 2009

COSATU has expressed regret at the resignation of Eskom Chairperson Bobby Godsell. His departure will be a great loss to the utility, which desperately needs managers with skills and experience to rescue itself from its severe crisis. Godsell is well experienced, a well schooled negotiator and a man who supports transformation.

COSATU rejects allegations that Bobby Godsell is a racist, for which there is no shred of evidence. He has played a crucial role in building links between business and labour and oiled the wheels of the process of transition to democracy. COSATU agrees with the NUM that the use of the race card when it is completely irrelevant "makes it difficult for all of us to confront real racism where it exists."

It is now vital to resolve the turmoil and conflicts on the Board so that it can focus on the real problem facing Eskom - its financial crisis which has led to a proposal to raise tariffs by 45% a year for the next three years, which COSATU has vowed to oppose.

2.4 DENOSA congratulates President Zuma on being named best African President

Asanda Fongqo, DENOSA Communications Officer, November 11, 2009

DENOSA has congratulated and applauded President Jacob Zuma on being named the best African President by the Africa Consciousness Media which is chaired by former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda.

DENOSA notes that President Zuma took over the leadership of our country during the volatile economic time. This allowed some classes of our society to question his ability to lead and bring the much needed stability.

The award underlines and recognises President Zuma’s ambition to continue with the developmental agenda and his administration’s commitment to service delivery.

With his transparent and accommodative style of leadership DENOSA believes that President Zuma is on the right path.

2.5 COSATU welcomes UN vote on Mandela Day

Patrick Craven, COSATU’s National Spkesperson, 11 November 2009

COSATU has congratulated the United Nations General Assembly on its historic decision to call for commemorations every year, from 2010, on 18 July – Nelson Mandela's birthday - to recognise the Nobel Peace Prize laureate's contribution to resolving conflicts and promoting race relations, human rights and reconciliation.

The resolution recognised Madiba's "leading role in and support for Africa's struggle for liberation and Africa's unity, and his outstanding contribution to the creation of a non-racial, non-sexist democratic South Africa," and “his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and in the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world."

The federation wholeheartedly endorses the statement by the General Assembly’s President, Ali Treki, that the international community is expressing its appreciation for a great man who suffered for the sake of people everywhere.

COSATU will be participating fully every year on 18 July as its own tribute to our great hero and will be even more inspired knowing that we are being joined by the people of the whole world.

2.6 COSATU welcomes NHI Advisory Committee

Patrick Craven COSATU’s National Spokesperson, 10 November 2009

COSATU has warmly welcomed the appointment of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on National Health Insurance (NHI), which is to advise the Minister on aspects of NHI Policy, to enrich the development of policy and legislation and the implementation plan for the NHI system.

The federation congratulates those who have been appointed and is confident that they will listen to the comments made by the public on the White Paper on NHI and advise the Ministry wisely on what to include in the final NHI implementation plan.

COSATU notes with concern however the campaign waged in the media to discredit and undermine the government’s plans for quality health care, which was central to the ANC manifesto and is fully supported by all the Alliance partners.

The faceless sources who are criticising the NHI are the beneficiaries of the current system which favours the few. They don’t want the poor to get better health care service. They are perpetuating the widening of the gap between the poor and rich as they represent the private sector’s interests.

COSATU and its affiliates are fully committed and involved in the campaign to promote and popularise this absolutely necessary transformation of our deeply unequal and inadequate healthcare system.

2.7 YCLSA condemns the brutal murder of Toddler by Police

Gugu Ndima YCL National spokesperson, 10 November 2009

The Young communist League of South Africa (UFasimba) condemns the unnecessary killing of an innocent young boy by a police officer. This is a clear indication that the shoot to kill pronouncement by the Police Ministry has caused police officers to spiral out of control. Police officers are now behaving like the very same criminals that they are targeting, killing innocent people.

The Young communist League calls for the dismissal and persecution of the police officer that has caused such pain to the family of Atlegang Phalane Atlegang Phalane, the toddler. The police ministry needs to urgently deal with the abuse of power by those that are supposedly there to protect citizens.

The YCLSA will continue to support any initiative taken by government to combat crime, but not when its to the detriment of our society. Thus far these mishaps that continue to happen as a result of this careless public pronouncement of "shoot-to-kill”, are affecting the black majority and mostly poor communities.

This behaviour of the police needs to stop as a sense of urgency before more innocent lives are taken unnecessarily

2.8 ANC YL and YCLSA denounce the South African Youth Council

Floyd Shivambu, ANC YL Spokesperson and Gugu Ndima, YCLSA Spokesperson, 10 November 2009

The African National Congress Youth League (ANC YL) and Young Communist League (YCL) denounce a group of people calling themselves the South African Youth Council (SAYC). The people who misname themselves the South African Youth Council claim that ANC YL and YCL are their affiliates. As far as the ANC YL and YCL are concerned; the SAYC elective Congress was aborted and could not elect leadership acceptable to the Progressive Youth Alliance.

The group calling itself the South African Youth Council continues to claim that it speak on behalf on young people in South Africa, including in NEDLAC and through interaction with the South African Football Association. We call on NEDLAC, SAFA and all other government formations and structures that have entered into agreements with a group called SAYC that they are not interacting with a legitimate organisation of young people in South Africa.

The organisations place it on official record that the South African Youth Council is currently non-existent. The Progressive Youth Alliance will communicate a clear process and way forward on the South African Youth Council (SAYC). All Sports federations, government institutions and corporate sector that wish to relate to South African youth in a non-partisan format should contact the National Youth Development Agency.

The ANC YL and YCL also call on the individuals that call themselves SAYC to desist from such practice, as it might compromise their credibility.

2.9 YCLSA welcomes the Dismissal of corrupt Home affairs officials

Gugu Ndima, YCL Spokesperson, 10 November 2009

The Young communist League of South Africa (UFasimba) welcomes the steps taken by the Department of Home affairs against the two corrupt officials that were implicated in the case of the late S’khumbuzo Mhlongo. The YCLSA also believes that these officials should also further face the full wrath of the law as a life was unnecessarily ended as a result of their greed.

This should also send a strong message to those that still seek to exploit the poor who are in dire need of service delivery. The YCLSA further congratulates the Home affairs department for the newly implemented system that will enhance the efficiency of the Home affairs department.

Cases such as those of S’khumbuzo Mhlongo and Kabelo Thibedi should at all cost be avoided. This time of the year is also more critical as young matriculants embark on their exams and look forward to their tertiary years. An ID being an obstacle in one’s future should be a thing of the past for any South African.

3. International

3.1 Arrest of ZCTU leaders

The ZCTU comrades might not appear in court today and we hope they will tommorow.

One Mhandu is sitting on the case in cohorts with the investigating Officer Chivishe. Appearing for what? The charges are POSA POSA and POSA. This abbreviation is synonymous with terror that the democratic movement has been fighting for the last decade. Is this the final resolution to the crisis that we have been battling? This is a shame to the much anticipated transition to democracy.

To the arrested comrades, please do not tire. You are marching on the correct side of history and you will be fairly judged, by your cause.

The comrades are being held in Hwange and comrades may want to remind the thugs who have arrested them to watch their step. Their numbers are Officer Commanding Matebeleland North Law and (Dis)Order, Mhandu in Hwange +263-281-20860 for the and the Investigatoing officer Ditective Sgnt Chivishe in Voctoria Falls C.I.D on +263-13-44206, 44401, 44202.

4. Letters

4.1 Divisions within the Police Department

Phiwa Mbuyazi, Concern Citizen of Mbonambi, 11 November 2009

I would like to respond to the article that I just saw on your daily subscription dated the 10^th of November 2009 regarding the alleged divisions with the police department nationally.

I must say that I have always anticipated this division to take place because of the following reasons that are very transparent:

1. Fikile Mbalule forgets he is no longer the president of the ANC YL we don’t expect to see much of him more than the Minister Cde Nathi Mthethwa unless mandated.

2. Bheki Cele needs to be reminded that now he is an official no longer a political leader (MEC Safety and Community liaison in KZN) I think he seems very confused between the two

The above two should note with discipline that Nathi Mthethwa the Minister leads the department they are there to assist him, even with regard to the addressing the media, I personally don’t expect Bheki Cele to address any political issues unless requested by the Minister or his deputy in his absence. I’m sure Cde JZ made a wise decision for their appointments because he trusted them to put their personal issues (if any) aside and serve South Africa. One more think Cde Pat I am really disgusted to all the comrades of our movements ANC, SACP and COSATU who would do anything to get attention or noticed by speaking publicly against other cdes when we have got the platforms within our movement – That is not acceptable

Mluleki Mntungwa (Communications Officer)

COSATU ICT Unit

1-5 Leyds Cnr Biccard Street

Braamfontein

2007

P.O.Box 1019

Johannesburg

2000

South Africa

Tel: +27 11 339-4911/24

Fax: +27 11 339-5080/6940

E-Mail: mlu...@cosatu.org.za

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Patrick Craven

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Nov 13, 2009, 3:56:10 PM11/13/09

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Our side of the story

Friday 13 November 2009

Contents

1.Workers. 2

1.1 COSATU North West PEC meets. 2

1.2 SAMWU emerges out of National Congress with newly elected leadership. 5

1.Workers

1.1 COSATU North West PEC meets

COSATU Provincial Secretary Comrade Solly Phetoe, 12 November 2009

COSATU North West Provincial Executive Committee met on Wednesday and resolved on the following matters:

· To condemn and reject the planned closure of Taung Agricultural College by the Department of Education and Department of agriculture.

· That the corruption that led to the resolution of closing the Taung Agricultural College must be exposed to the public.

· That the racism that is taking is placing in Taung Agriculture and Potchefstroom must be exposed and be dealt strongly by government and other stakeholders such as the Human Rights Commission.

· There must be an investigation into the whole Department of Agriculture in the province and those politicians who own farms illegally must be exposed

· There must be an investigation with action taken against Department of Health corrupt officials, politicians in the provincial and district hospitals must be exposed.

· There must be an investigation into the accident of Ganyesa hospital that took place on 29 October 2009 involving a poor pregnant woman who lost her twins as a result of the alleged negligence of Doctor Tolulope Olode. Poor health care facilities must be investigated, and the doctor, the provincial department and Ganyesa hospital must take responsibility for the twins’ death.

· Government must take the mother of the twins who is currently in pain with no assistance from anybody even from the criminal hospital, to counseling.

· In the light of reports to the federation that the same hospital does not care and because of poor health care facilities people are dying, the National Health Council must investigate the matter.

Task team report

COSATU calls for the Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs to release the report and its implementation. We lost the life of Comrade Moses Phakoe, a comrade and friend, a leader and a father, due to the same report. He was killed in March 2009 during the election campaign, and even now, after nine months no arrest has been made. His family is still in pain with no report on what caused the death of their son.

COSATU is preparing a big march or protest action against the police or investigators demanding the whole report and why the case was removed from Rustenburg. We are sick and tired about stories; we want to know who killed Moses Phakoe.

Racism

The PEC resolved to reaffirm the position against racism and that the products of those farmers who are part of racism in the province must be boycotted. The campaign of identifying their products will start now and they will be blacklisted publicly in the media.

The Sun City case

COSATU’s position still stands that Falcon Security must be scrapped out in South Africa. COSATU is mobilising a strong campaign against that racist security company in the province

Therefore COSATU calls on government departments, the private sector and international companies to scrap their relationship with Falcon Security Company. Even after the 24 October 2009 racism case, white people are still calling people baboons. Van Wyk, a white lady at Sun City, agreed that she called workers baboons and nothing has happen to her.

COSATU is preparing a mass action on 3 December 2009, during the NEDBANK Golf challenge which will be held at Sun City.

COSATU resolved to lead the mass protest action to the head office of the Director of Prosecutions against racist courts that are in a relationship with farmers who continues to kill, assault and use racial statements against farm workers, because they have money. They kill, get arrested and they pay R1500.00 for bail. Racism is criminal; it is against reconciliation, it is also an enemy to the national democratic revolution. We demand the investigation of all bails granted to those racist farmer.

The PEC also resolved to root out racism in Police Stations, in particular Lichtenburg, Vryburg, Ottosdal, Madibeng, Ventersdorp, Klerksdorp, Delareyville, Rustenburg, Hartebeespoordam, Amalia, Schweizer Reneke, Wolmaranstad, Piet Duplesies, Stella and many other in the province. Members are not respected, called by racist names, and there is poor treatment in the Police Station against African police officers.

Economic situation in the province

The PEC discussed the challenges facing the provincial economy and the assessment of the Provincial Growth Develop Summit resolutions that were taken in 2004.

The PEC came to the conclusion that the PGDS has not delivered to the people of the province. The Working Groups such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, SMME, Skills development and infrastructure and construction continue to make those who are rich to be richer.

Unemployment and poverty in the province are increasing. Only those who are in political power remain real opportunists and corrupt to make them rich at the expense of this poor

There is illegal mining which led by few politicians and senior officials, which must be investigated by the Department of Mineral Resource

COSATU demands the re-establishment of the PGDS working group so that we have people who can respond to the challenges faced by the working class and the poor

COSATU demands an investigation of the permit issued at Taung illegal mining, Amalia Witkop and who are the shareholders.

COSATU demand that the Premier must take charge of the PGDS because currently it is led by real opportunists and bureaucrats who do not care about what is happening on the ground.

Job loses in the province are increasing, in particular in the mining industry, manufacturing, agriculture and in government, due to poor management and nepotism in government and municipalities.

COSATU is holding provincial government responsible for the job loses and poverty in the province.

COSATU resolved to intensify the jobs and poverty campaign to fight for decent and quality jobs. We are going on with the programme to scrap the so called labour brokers including contractors who are busy destroying the economy for individual interest.

Health and Safety

The PEC resolved to intensify its campaign against poor health and safety in all sectors and that we must demand a detailed report from the Department of Labour inspectors and the Department of Mineral Resources on what happens to the inspection reports and how many cases they report of deaths and injury on duty and who takes responsibility for this negligence.

Department of Education (Corruption)

The PEC resolved that part of the programme before the end of November 2009 is to intensify its campaign against corrupt officials and politicians and that our position for the HOD and the MEC still remains that we will be back to the Premier very soon with strong action in all sectors of government.

Corruption remains corruption and is criminal. There is no need for political statements from those who are friends to the corrupt officials or politicians. There is no room in our federation for corrupt leaders.

The so-called team of eleven who are officials from Department of Education, being friends to the HOD and MEC, are wasting their time. Threats intimidation and victimisation will not stop COSATU and its affiliates from fighting and we are prepared to die if that’s what are planning to do.

Political

The PEC resolved to make sure that we build a strong ANC, SACP and SANCO. All COSATU members must follow the 2015 programme, swell the ranks of the ANC, participate in branches and take leadership to advance the NDR, to fight for the interests of the poor working class and for the implementation of the ANC manifesto. We will be ready to deliver proper leadership to the municipalities, for service delivery to the people of this province, not 10% shares of tenders to some pocket opportunist, corrupt leaders.

1.2 SAMWU emerges out of National Congress with newly elected leadership

SAMWU President, Sam Malope, 12 November 2009

SAMWU has successfully emerged out of its 9^th National Congress, which was concluded on 6 November 2009. In keeping with SAMWU’s traditions, the Congress delegates engaged in robust debates and the Union emerged with a newly elected leadership to take it forward and build on the Union’s success for the coming term. As SAMWU we are excited and look forward to working with the new leadership.

The newly elected leadership will undoubtedly take forward the vision, aims and objectives of the Union. The newly elected President of SAMWU Sam Malope is a product of SAMWU and will continue the legacy of the founding president comrade Petros Mashishi.

The leadership will be tasked to Sheppard the implementation of the resolutions that had come out of the Congress, through a program which the Central Executive Committee has the political responsibility over.

SAMWU’s newly elected leadership is as follows:

President: Sam Malope

1^st Deputy President: Nomvula Hadi

2^nd Deputy President: Ntokozo Nzuza

National Treasurer: Gati Maleti

General Secretary: Mthandeki Nhlapo

Deputy General Secretary: Walter Theledi

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