COSATU Today, 20 May 2013
Norman Mampane
COSATU Today
Our side of the story
Monday 20 May 2013
‘Strengthen COSATU for total emancipation’
Contents
Workers’ Parliament
Ø “BUILD STRONG WORKPLACE ORGANISATION,CLASS CONSCIOUSNESS AND INTERNATIONALISM”-Media Invitation to NEHAWU 10th National Congress
Ø NUM submits its wage demands to the Chamber of Mines
Ø Media Walkabout-The first eco-friendly union office in Gauteng, Tues 21 May (10.00-11.30)
Ø Marikana commission of enquiry is biased
Ø Enabling COSATU Members to Tweet Effectively
South Africa
Ø SADTU statement on Mpumalanga circumcision deaths
Ø SADTU mourns Vuyo Mbuli’s death
Ø Statement of the JCPS Ministers on the Report of investigation team examining the landing of a chartered commercial aircraft at air force base, Waterkloof on 30th April 2013
Ø NUMSA takes City Power to Court
Ø SAJBD associate director must apologise to the YCL and Wits 11 for his racism
Ø Statement on the report into the landing of a private jet at Waterkloof
Ø North West career guidance exhibition a success
Ø SASCO commends UKZN on making IsiZulu compulsory
Ø The Gauteng Legislatures Portfolio Committee on Education holds a summit on Teenage Pregnancy, Drug Abuse and Bullying
International
Ø Baltic dockers’ unions learning from each other on social dialogue
Ø Why jobs and livelihoods matter
Ø WFTU Solidarity Mission to Mali on May 20-21, 2013
Ø Swaziland: PM Bars Democrats From Swazi Senate
Comment
Ø Swazi government's prayers answered
Announcements
Ø NEHAWU vacancy for a Tshwane Regional Organizer
Ø NEHAWU Vacancy for a Vuyani Mabaxa Regional [Jhb] Organizer
Ø Africa Day & District Political Schools Launch Supported by Limpopo Arts And Culture Association [LACA] on the 25th May 2013
Ø Chris Hani Institute & City Press Public Debate Invitation!
Ø The South African Medical Association Vacancy for IR Advisor
Ø The South African Medical Association Vacancy for Organising and Bargaining Officer
Ø SACP Political Lecture in memory of Comrade Juda Tsotetsi Invitation!
Ø SAFM/Workers Wednesday coming schedule
Ø COSATU skinning in the game of social media-Enabling the trade union movement to nurture a communicative platform
Ø Follow Fred van Leeuwen on Twitter!-EI GS
Ø Follow ITUC Secretary General-Sharan Burrow
Workers’ Parliament!
“BUILD STRONG WORKPLACE ORGANISATION,CLASS CONSCIOUSNESS AND INTERNATIONALISM”-Media Invitation to NEHAWU 10th National Congress
Sizwe Pamla, NEHAWU Media Liaison Officer, 20 May 2013
The NATIONAL EDUCATION, HEALTH AND ALLIED WORKER’S UNION {NEHAWU} will be holding its 10th National Congress from the 26th -29th June 2013, at Birchwood Hotel ,Benoni ,Gauteng under the theme:”BUILD STRONG WORKPLACE ORGANISATION,CLASS CONSCIOUSNESS AND INTERNATIONALISM”.
The National Congress is the highest decision making body of the union that has the powers to adopt new resolutions and elect new National Office Bearers{NOB}.
Delegates from all structures of the union will attend and assess the progress that has been made by the union in implementing its resolutions since the last congress that was held in 2010.
The congress will also pass the new resolutions and map the way forward for the next three years.
The gathering will be addressed by the tripartite alliance leaders{ ANC,SACP and COSATU} and other international fraternal organisations.
The 10th National Congress is scheduled as follows:
Ø Date : 26-29 June 2013
Ø Venue : Birchwood Hotel {Gauteng}
Members of the media are invited to attend, cover and report on the congress. To confirm attendance, journalists are requested to send their responses to the National Spokesperson: siz...@nehawu.org.za
The following information should be included in the confirmation reply for accreditation and logistical purposes.
Ø NAME AND SURNAME
Ø MEDIA INSTITUTION
Ø E-MAIL AND CONTACTDETAILS
Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat
For further information, please contact:Sizwe Pamla {NEHAWU Media Liaison Officer} at 011 833 2902- 082 558 5962 or email siz...@nehawu.org.za
Visit NEHAWU website: www.nehawu.org.za
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NUM submits its wage demands to the Chamber of Mines
Lesiba Seshoka, NUM National Spokesperson, 19 May 2013
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has on Friday submitted its wage demands to the Chamber of Mines for the 2013 wage negotiations.
The union demands that surface workers should receive a minimum amount of R7000 and underground and opencast workers minimum should be set at R8000 per month.
For all other categories, the NUM has put a demand of 15%. Furthermore, the union demands that Rockdrill Operators job categories be rolled up to category 8 whilst other categories are rolled up to category 7.
“These demands are informed by many studies which have revealed that cash wages received over time has indeed been growing but, the disposable wage has been under severe strain due to the effects of inflation and other expense incurred to maintain a worker’ modest lifestyle” says Frans Baleni, the NUM General Secretary.
In addition to all these, the union has put forward several other demands dealing with housing allowance, market allowance, commuting allowance, risk allowance and living out allowance. These demands are for gold and coal employers affiliated to the Chamber of Mines.
The NUM will await a response from the Chamber of Mines as to when negotiations will begin.
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Media Walkabout-The first eco-friendly union office in Gauteng, Tues 21 May (10.00-11.30)
Castro Ngobese, NUMSA National Spokesperson, 20 May 2013
In line with COSATU’s resolution for unions to take “reasonable steps to reduce each affiliate’s carbon footprint”, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has refurbished its regional office in 32/34 Eloff (cnr. Frederick St) Street in Johannesburg’s central business district (CBD).
The building is retrofitted with a 30 kilowatt peak (KWp) solar panel; motion and ultra-sonic sensors; low-energy fluorescent lighting; and a central control system that has the ability to switch on lighting and air conditioning on all the floors at preselected times.
The air conditioning system has inverters that have the ability to modulate compressor speed and that has soft start features to reduce power consumption by 50%. [A technical note on the renovations is attached].
A media walkabout to look at changes done to what undoubtedly is the “first eco-friendly union office in Gauteng”, takes place on Tuesday 21 May (10.00-11.30). Participating in the guided tour of the refurbished building will be NUMSA’s President Cedric Gina and Gauteng’s MEC for Economic Development Nkosiphendule Kolisile. The professional team of project managers, architects, surveyors and engineers will be on site to guide and answer questions.
Details of the walkabout are:
Date: Tuesday 21 May
Time: 10H00am
Venue: JCB House (Old McCarthy Centre)
32/34 Eloff (cnr. Frederick) Street
Johannesburg CBD
For further information about the event please contact Castro Ngobese at 011-691700 or 081 011 1137. Those that wish to attend, please send RSVP messages to castro....@gmail.com
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Marikana commission of enquiry is biased
Solly Phetoe, COSATU North West Provincial Secretary, 17 May 2013
The Congress of South Trade Unions in the North West have learned with disappointment that the Marikana commission of enquiry have taken a break to allow some people to attend the memorial service of certain individuals.
COSATU is disappointed that when some of the people were killed who were also supposed to give evidence in the commission or who have also given evidence the same did not happened. Why?
When Comrade Dalovuyo Bongo was killed the commission did not take a break to allow people to attend the memorial service and the funeral.
The question COSATU is asking: why it is happening now?
COSATU calls on the commission to be consistent in dealing with the issues surrounding the commission and not to take sides on some of the matters.
We are also asking the commission to make sure it deals with issues in the manner that it finds a way of building peace in the mining industry and in the African communities in the NW.
Can the commission speed up the investigation or make sure that it concludes the work within the time period as we are losing lives while the commission is proceeding with its work.
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Enabling COSATU Members to Tweet Effectively
Introduction to COSATU Official Twitter Accounts
Ø @COSATU2015
Official tweets on current affairs, ideological disposition and for a Question & Answer platform
Ø @COSATU TODAY _cosatu
Seconds- COSATU roving official tweets on events, quotable sound-bites on speeches/interviews, newsflash etc.
How to Register a COSATU Member Twitter Account
Ø Go Google and type twitter/sign up
Ø Versions of name/surname must be completed
Ø Choose a username/password and don’t forget them
Ø Update your profile; picture, bio
o Picture size should be 700k
o Bio-short narrative who you are
Ø Examples of Bio; Africa's largest Federation Official tweets, the home of the toiling classes across the world, with more than 2million membership...Amandla! Johannesburg, South Africa · http://www.cosatu.org.za
Ø Choose who to follow and type @cosatu2015 and @COSATU TODAY _cosatu
Ø And you’re skinning in the game through COSATU tweets
Communicating messages that matter is like artwork
Social Media generation is here and is unavoidable
‘Let’s skin in the game of COSATU Tweets’
South Africa
SADTU statement on Mpumalanga circumcision deaths
Nomusa Cembi, SADTU Media Officer, 19 May 2013
SADTU is calling on government and Mpumalanga MEC for Health to act following the deaths of 23 youth allegedly due to botched circumcision.
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) has called on government to take action regarding the deaths of 23 male youth who allegedly died as a result of botched circumcisions.
SADTU’s call follows NEHAWU who have gone further to call on government and the MEC for Health in Mpumalanga to account.
We are also shocked by the lack of response and condemnation of this tragic incident from the public and government.
The death of young people - the leaders of tomorrow - need to be treated as a serious matter.
The excuse by Health MEC to say that as a woman she could not interfere because of tradition shows gross insensitivity. Her portfolio requires of her to first observe the country’s constitution.
We are aware police have opened cases of murder but we have not heard of arrests. The autumn/winter season has become synonymous with death as South Africa continues to bury dozens of youth who die during this traditional circumcision period.
We cannot continue to allow such tragedy to continue as if it is normal.
We respect the culture and tradition and believe these are fundamental to our society. However, we believe we also need to look or combine other methods in order to save the lives of our youth.
SADTU - as part of its HIV and AIDS prevention strategy - in partnership with the Centre for HIV/AIDS Prevention Studies (CHAPS) is conducting Medical Male Circumcision (MMC) campaign targeting learners in schools.
Since April, SADTU has successfully conducted the Medical Male Circumcision (MMC) campaign in the North West and Mpumalanga provinces in May.
230 have undergone MMC in the North West.
More than 237 boys have undergone MMC in Mpumalanga and the campaign continues with the aim of reaching 600 boys.
Issued by: SADTU Secretariat
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SADTU mourns Vuyo Mbuli’s death
Nomusa Cembi, SADTU National Media Officer, 19 May 2013
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) would like to express its deepest and sincerest condolences to the family, SABC and the media fraternity for the untimely passing on of radio and television journalist/presenter Vuyo Mbuli.
The day is a sad one not only for his family and colleagues but for the country as a whole as Vuyo had become part of many families in South Africa as they shared their breakfasts with him through his SABC 2 Morning Live show and set the tempo for the day.
He further enlightened many during his morning show on SAFM between 9am and midday weekdays.
His death is a loss for the media industry. He was an excellent interviewer who never imposed himself and intimidated his interviewees.
However, he firmly and gently never allowed them to get away without answering his questions.
To the country, Vuyo was a true ambassador.
He made us South Africans feel welcome in our country as he greeted us in all eleven African languages and even more.
His presentations, peppered with South African lingo - Sharp! Sharp!, Heita Da, etc made many of us feel at home.
May his soul rest in peace? He will be sorely missed.
Issued by: SADTU Secretariat
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Statement of the JCPS Ministers on the Report of investigation team examining the landing of a chartered commercial aircraft at air force base, Waterkloof on 30th April 2013
The Chairperson of the JCPS Cluster Ministers, The Honourable, Mr J. Radebe, MP, 19 May 2013
On 2 May 2013, in the wake of the landing of a chartered commercial aircraft at Air Force Base Waterkloof on 30 April 2013, the Ministers of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster instructed a team of Directors-General to investigate the matter. On 3 May 2013, during a JCPS press briefing, we indicated the deadline of 14 May 2013, seven working days.
The Investigating Team was provided with the following Terms of Reference:
(i) Determine the sequence of events prior to, during and after the commercial aircraft’s landing at Air Force Base Waterkloof.
(ii) Assess the actual events in the light of the established government and departmental legislation, regulations and protocols.
(iii) Interview and interact with relevant persons to establish facts, and factor in investigations currently under way; and
(iv) Make findings and recommendations to avert similar occurrences in future.
The deadline of 14 May 2013 was complied with, and the Investigating Team provided Ministers with a comprehensive report. The JCPS Ministers met on 17 May 2013 to discuss the content of the report.
In investigating this matter the team interviewed the role players involved; obtained sworn statements and affidavits; and conducted site visits. The team received the full cooperation of departments and role players, and is satisfied that no stone was left unturned in determining the truth of the matter.
In keeping with our undertaking we present the following findings from the investigation:
1. The Investigating Team has conclusively found that in February 2013 the Gupta family approached the Airports Company South Africa and requested landing rights and an elaborate reception for the wedding party. This would have disrupted the functioning of O.R. Tambo International Airport at the time of landing, particularly the operations of the National Immigration Branch at the airport. As a result, this was turned down. In March 2013 the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans and her advisor were approached by the Gupta family on different occasions. On 3 April 2013 this request was also turned down. The Gupta family then resorted to the use of the diplomatic channel with the support of an individual in the Indian High Commission who re-designated the wedding entourage as an official delegation to enable them to use the Air Force Base Waterkloof under the cover of diplomatic privilege. It is an undisputed fact that there was no official Note Verbale from the Indian High Commission to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, and therefore due process was not followed. An individual in the Indian High Commission communicated directly with individuals at the Air Force Command Post. The collusion of officials resulted in the irregular approval of the flight clearance.
2. Members of the Executive were not required to issue any instructions, did not issue any instructions, and did not create the impression that they ought to have issued any instructions.
3. The aircraft in question was cleared for landing by the Air Force Command Post, and the correct clearance procedures were followed, but based on false information and abuse of privileges, the combination of which resulted in the manipulation of the process by various persons who shared a common purpose and acted in concert. They include the Chief of State Protocol, Ambassador V.B. Koloane, who acted in the absence of a Note Verbale from the Indian High Commission in contravention of existing diplomatic protocols; and the Officer Commanding Movement Control at Air Force Base Waterkloof, Lieutenant-Colonel C. Anderson. The process of disciplinary hearings will continue to be pursued to determine the guilt or otherwise of these individuals.
4. The Air Force Base has seven functions: the conduct of operations; the hosting of training flights; receiving VVIP and VIP flights; receiving foreign heads of state, envoys and dignitaries; receiving registered military aircraft; serving as a diversion airfield for commercial aircraft; and conducting air shows.
5. As a result of the nature of these functions, the Air Force Base Waterkloof handles both civilian and military aircraft. This notwithstanding, the landing of the chartered commercial aircraft, Flight JAI9900, was a direct result of manipulation of processes.
6. The Air Force Base Waterkloof is a strategic military base that resorts under the Defence Act, Act 44 of 1957. The Air Force Base Waterkloof is not a National Key Point and is not governed by the National Key Points Act, which is managed by the SAPS. This being a strategic military base, which also serves as an entry point into South Africa, it has even more stringent security measures.
7. The landing of Flight JAI9900 following the exercise of undue influence had the potential to compromise the credibility of the Government of the Republic, and could have caused severe reputational damage to the state itself.
8. The activities of some of the persons involved were driven by the undesirable practice of the exercise of undue influence, and abuse of higher office. It posed a threat to the culture of professionalism that ought to characterise a caring and professional public service rooted in the Batho Pele principle. It undermines the quest to build a capable state and the requirement that it be served by professional public servants with foresight to understand the implications of their conduct for the reputation of the state.
9. While Flight JAI9900 was in South African airspace, all procedures, protocols and instructions from air traffic control were complied with. The dramatised reports in the media, including social media, about the flight taking a tour over South African cities and disrupting air traffic are therefore unfounded.
10. Following the application for the SAPS, North-West Province, to exercise their responsibilities in terms of the Safety at Sports, Recreation and Entertainment Act, (SSAREA), the police were obliged to prepare and implement a safety plan for the wedding. This is despite their earlier refusal to do so, when they had adjudged it to be a private event.Had the National Joint Operations and Intelligence Structure been convened, the involvement of other departments would have provided an opportunity to avert this breach.
11. The involvement of law enforcement agencies under the auspices and leadership of the South African Police Services, in providing convoy protection services was authorised, but involved officers who were moonlighting contrary to regulations. The officials from the Metro Police who carried their firearms irregularly to protect the event are only authorised to bear their firearms within their respective Metro jurisdictions. Their use in this instance was a violation of regulations. Some of them also drove vehicles that were fitted illegally with blue lights.
12. In the interest of the safety of all road users and taking into account that 121 vehicles were deployed by the event organiser, it was necessary that law enforcement officers take charge of the convoy to Sun City. However, due to the lack of vigilance of the SAPS members deployed for escort duty, who did not identify the drivers as non-SAPS members, they placed reliance on those drivers. This made it possible for the cars fitted with illegal blue-lightsto push people off the road, cause delays and inconvenience other road users. The public outcry that followed was therefore justified.
13. It is now confirmed that all helicopters used in the operation were organised and funded by the Gupta family, and were neither SAPS nor SANDF helicopters. All of the black BMW’s used in the convoys were hired from a private company.Three Range Rovers had similar registration numbers; two Mercedes Benz had similar registration numbers; three of the BMW’s had false registration.
14. Overall, the total deployment of government personnel during the operation was 194 persons and 88 vehicles. 296 private security officers were deployed at the expense of the event organiser. The organisers also deployed two fixed-wing aircraft and seven helicopters to ferry their guests from the base to Sun City. This was authorisedas a package linked to the already-issued clearance for Flight JAI9900.
15. It is commendable, notwithstanding the manipulation by a few, that public servants in affected government departments and structures raised concerns, some of them repeatedly, as to what was transpiring. However, their concerns were neither addressed, nor acted upon by those in positions of authority over them bent on manipulating the system, working with individuals outside the state.
16. Despite this isolated breach, the system for the management of foreign visits and the requisite permits, policies and procedures is in place and functioning. That is why flights arrive and depart daily without incident.Thebreach in this instance was a consequence of manipulation by the responsible persons, who contemptuously manipulated the system to advance the wedding objectives at all costs.
We have accepted the following recommendations arising from the investigation to close all gaps that made this breach possible:
1. All affected departments must complete their investigations into this matter as soon as possible to ensure that justice is seen to be done, and the required disciplinary measures are fully implemented where deemed necessary.
1.1 This is to ensure that those who made the following transgressions are brought to book:
· SAPS Act, Act 68 of 1995: Contravening of Section 67(2)(a): Conspiring or inducing or attempting to induce a member not to perform duty or act in conflict with his duty; and Section 68: Falsely pretending to be a police officer.
· Road Traffic Act, Act 93 of 1996: Section 89(3) and Section 68(1) and (2): Use of false registration.
· Companies Act, Act 71 of 2008: Section 214(1)(b): Person with a fraudulent purpose knowingly provided false or misleading information in any circumstances under this Act; and Section 214(1)(c): Knowingly a party to an act of omission by a company calculated to defraud a creditor or employee of the company, or a holder of the company securities, or with another fraudulent purpose.
· Firearms Control Act, Act 60 of 2000: Section 120(1)(a): Failure to apply for renewal of a licence/permit/certificate authorisation before end of period determined by the Minister.
· Common Law Crimes: Fraud, falsely pretending or misrepresenting the existence of a company.
· Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority Act, Act 56 of 2001: Section 20(1): Conducting of security service contrary to the Act.
1.2 The following cases have been registered:
· Sun City CAS 16/05/2013: Contravention of the Firearms Control Act.
· Sun City CAS 18/05/2013: Contravention of the National Road Traffic Act.
· Sun City CAS 19/05/2013: Contravention of the PSIRA Act.
· Sun City CAS 20/05/2013: Contravention of the PSIRA Act.
· Lyttelton CAS 71/05/2013: Contravention of the South African Police Act.
We anticipate that more cases will be opened as the investigations proceed.
2. To avoid impunity and to address violations stemming from the landing of Flight JAI9900 at Air Force Base Waterkloof, relevant government departments have imposed fines and are taking corrective action. This includes the imposition of a fine of R80 000 for the failure of the pilot of Flight JAI9900 to obtain a Foreign Operators Permit.
3. Government, led by the Department of Public Service and Administration, should develop and implement a public service awareness campaign to discourage the negative culture of name dropping in the form of improper use of the names of members of the Executive in the public sector. In addition, the definition of acts of misconduct should be amended across government to include name dropping as gross misconduct.
Ministers are instructing their Directors-General to urgently action the relevant recommendations.
In conclusion, the landing of flight JAI9900 at Air Force Base Waterkloof has brought to the fore serious issues that need immediate attention. These include the identified culture of undue influence, underpinned by poor ethical conduct and a lack of professionalism described in this report.
We believe that the unified public voice which condemned the incident, together with decisive government action, serves as a useful basis for the development of a partnership between our people and their government in the fight to combat crime and corruption in our country.
Notwithstanding the negative findings, the work of the Investigating Team has brought to light the many public servants who conscientiously and faithfully perform their duties and daily tasks, and whose work is a credit to our country that they serve.
The report will be released in the course of the coming week.
Issued by the Chairperson of the JCPS Cluster Ministers
The HonourableMr J. Radebe, MP.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
19 May 2013
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NUMSA takes City Power to Court
Castro Ngobese, NUMSA National Spokesperson, 20 May 2013
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) to take City Power to court over Johannesburg municipal electricity utility’s refusal to disclose information on the basis of which a R800-million tender for low pressure solar water heaters was awarded in May 2012.
A year after NUMSA first made its request for the information and after much ‘duck and diving’ on the part of City Power, the union is approaching the courts to have access to the criteria used in the awarding of the tender. Using the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) of 2000, NUMSA which organises workers in plants that manufacture solar water heaters is requesting the court to compel City Power to give the organisation the records and documents so requested.
The matter is set for Tuesday 28 May at South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg.
NUMSA’s National Treasurer Mphumzi Maqungo and President Cedric Gina were part of the press conference convened yesterday, the 19th May 2013 at NUMSA HeadQuarters.
COSATU and Freedom of Expression joined the meeting.
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SAJBD associate director must apologise to the YCL and Wits 11 for his racism
Khaya Xaba, YCLSA National Spokesperson, 18 May 2013
Mr David Saks, associate director of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) in his statement ‘Wits hooligans must be held accountable’ makes several factual errors and racist statements.
The Young Communist League of South Africa [uFasimba] has joined other progressive organisations and individuals calling for the charges to be dropped against the Wits 11 with immediate effect. Mr Saks, by calling the students “hooligans” reiterates the racism of the concert goers who called the students “monkeys” and told them to “go back to the jungle”.
Contrary to Mr Saks claim that all is “fair and above board”, the national director of the SAJBD, Wendy Kahn admitted to being in almost daily contact with the Wits legal office on this case. This is completely unprecedented in South African law and Wits history.
Mr Saks, instead of dealing with the substantive evidence of the SAJBD doing their utmost to end Jewish human rights activists support for the anti-apartheid movement against South Africa, chooses to deflect this ignoble part of his organisation’s history by using racist slurs towards the YCL and the Wits 11.
The YCL would like to remind the SAJBD that we and “like-minded groupings” fought against racist rule, while the SAJBD supported white minority rule and a system that was declared by the United Nations to be a crime against humanity.
The SAJBD’s support of apartheid can be starkly seen with its treatment of the YCL first secretary Cde Ruth First. As a Jewish anti-apartheid activist, Cde Ruth First was isolated and demonised by the SAJBD for her role in fighting against the brutalisation of black people.
Ruth First paid the ultimate price for her principled stance when she died in exile at the hands of a letter bomb sent by the apartheid government.
Mr Saks has in the past been disciplined internally and made to apologise by the SAJBD for his homophobic and sexist comments.
He should now be made to apologise for his racism.
Issued by the YCLSA Head Office
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Statement on the report into the landing of a private jet at Waterkloof
Malesela Maleka, SACP National Spokesperson, 19 May 2013
The SACP notes the announcements made today at the press conference of the Justice and Crime Prevention Cluster.
Whilst we await the full report in order to understand fully what happened and for us to be privy to all the information in front the Ministers, the SACP would like to urge government to release the full report and for relevant authorities to act swiftly on those implicated.
The SACP reiterates that no stone must be left unturned in dealing with this saga.
The SACP agrees with the sentiment raised at the press conference on the issue of name-dropping which is posing a major threat to our civil services and to carrying out duties objectively. In 2009 when we campaigned for the election the movement promised o do everything to maintain clear distinct lines between the work that elected officials must do and that which must be undertaken by the civil service. Name – dropping is not only used for tenders but various other means to manipulate process.
Our officials should never allow themselves to be bullied in carrying out their duties in line with prescripts of the law and our policies.
The SACP has also noted a desperate media drive to nail everything to the President of the Republic and ANC even when cabinet through a cluster of Ministers is acting on the matter on behalf of our government.
This media drive confirms the lack of appetite on the part of others to deal with the issue at hand but to continue to create doubt about the President, tarnish his image and pose him as a rudderless leader.
The SACP rejects this insinuation.
Issued by the SACP
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North West career guidance exhibition a success
Nomusa Cembi, SADTU National Media Officer, 17 May 2013
Matric learners from three secondary schools in the J.T. Madlala region of SADTU, Dr Ruth Mompati region in the North West province are more than looking forward to writing their final year exams so that they can further their studies at university - thanks to SADTU`s Career Guidance exhibition they attended at Bloemhof Town Hall yesterday and visits to their schools by University of Johanneburg and Wits University students today.
The learners from Gaopalelwe Secondary School, Vaalower Combined School, Thuto Lore Secondary and Christian School for the Blind and Partially Sighted received first hand information on how to apply for enrolment at Wits University, access to funding and bursaries, various courses and career choices from Wits University students during the career exhibition at the Bloemhof Hall yesterday.
Today, students from the University of Johannesburg and Wits University visited Gaopalelwe, Thuto Lore and Christian School to explain what their universities offered, how to apply and shared their testimonies about life at university. Registration forms were also supplied.
The schools are no-fee schools and few or no learners can afford to enroll in tertiary institutions. However, after the presentations, many felt the sky was the limit.
The career guidance exhibition is part of fulfilling SADTU`s 2030 Vision of creating a learning nation. It is also part of the Union`s commitment to the Education Accord and Quality of Learning and Teaching Campaign.
Through the adopt-a-school programme, SADTU realized that most learners in the rural schools the union has adopted struggle to pursue tertiary education because of lack of career guidance. These institutions are in urban areas making them not easily accessible to them and are not affordable.
Addressing the learners at Bloemhof SADTU General Secretary Mugwena Maluleke urged the learners to study harder despite their circumstances. He said their poor circumstances should not stop them from aspiring for better things in life. The doors of tertiary institutions were open to them as well as any other learner in South Africa. If they studied hard and obtained good marks, help was available through bursaries and government.
Making an example using himself, Maluleke told the learners that he was born in a farm, worked in the farm while attending school and could drive a tractor by the age of eight. However, he persevered under the trying circumstances and studied and became a teacher. The learners also stood every chance to achieve their dreams no matter their circumstances.
Issued by: SADTU Secretariat
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SASCO commends UKZN on making IsiZulu compulsory
Themba Masondo, SASCO Secretary General, 17 May 2013
The South African Students Congress (SASCO) commends the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) on amending their language policy to make isiZulu a compulsory course for all first year students at UKZN from next year onwards regardless of the degree they are enrolled for.
We believe that in a country where multilingualism is enshrined in the constitution, this is a great initiative undertaken by the University towards implementing multilingualism in the post-schooling sector and the intellectualisation of indigenous African languages.
As it stands, IsiZulu is the most spoken language in South Africa with a little over 23% of the population having IsiZulu as a home language, followed by IsiXhosa at 17. %, which is followed by Afrikaans at 13.%. English, although used as the medium of instruction at institutions of higher education and further training, is only used by little over 8% of the total population as a home language.
This means that in order for any individual to be able to function in the South African linguistic context, they must have basic communication skills in at least one African language.
We applaud the efforts of the Ministry of Higher Education and Training in advocating for the promotion of African Languages in institutions of higher learning and further training.
We note the remarks of Dr. Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, that “the development of African languages is not just nice to have but is a necessity for human rights and dignity as well as for access to university and tertiary success”. We agree with the Minister Nzimande that tertiary students should at least have learnt one African language before they complete their studies.
In a multilingual society such as ours, there is a need for proper and intensive language planning so that all languages are accommodated and no language is prejudiced or marginalized.
African languages should be used as languages of teaching and learning in our institutions of higher education.
Although the Language policy on Higher Education (2002) requires South African universities to implement multilingualism in their teaching and learning programmes, language policies from different institution of higher learning shows no commitment to such.
Language policies of various institutions emphasise multilingualism but there little practical commitment to implement such policies.
We therefore call on the Department of Higher Education and Training to put in place stringent measures for the monitoring and evaluation of the language policies of institutions of higher learning.
We call also upon other institutions of higher learning to follow the example set by the UKZN and implement policies towards the compulsory teaching and learning of indigenous African languages across the board and for specific courses as is done at the University of Cape Town, Rhodes University, University of Stellenbosch, University of Pretoria, University of the Free State etc for students enrolled for medicine/pharmacy and other courses.
Multilingualism in higher education can only be achieved through the willingness of institutions of higher learning and students to make African Languages part of the post-school educational experience. Multilingual programmes such as the one initiated by UKZN, while progressive, they are just a drop in an ocean.
We believe that mother tongue education should be offered as a linguistic right to anyone who wants to learn in any official language; however this can only happen if the project of mother tongue education is taken up at the primary and secondary schooling levels.
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The Gauteng Legislatures Portfolio Committee on Education holds a summit on Teenage Pregnancy, Drug Abuse and Bullying
Sechaba Simelane, Gauteng Provincial Legislature, 20 May 2013
In a fight against Teenage Pregnancy, Drug and Substance abuse, Bullying, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education is set to host an Educational summit in Ekurhuleni.
Led by Honourable Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, the summit will focus on the above mentioned as well as Parental Involvement in learner’s Education and other areas in serious need of attention.
For more information, kindly see the attached document.
Warm Regards.
Sechaba Simelane
Gauteng Provincial Legislature
Communications Unit
Tell: 011 498 5912
Email: SSim...@gpl.gov.za
International
Baltic dockers’ unions learning from each other on social dialogue
International Transport Workers’ Federation, 17 May 2013
Promoting social dialogue in Estonian ports has been the focus this week of a seminar at the Port of Muuga.
It’s the first event of its kind and has been centered on the joint working of ITF and ETF affiliates, the Estonian Seaman’s Independent Union (ESIU) with their Baltic colleagues at the Norwegian Transport Workers’ Federation. This project is financed by the Norway Grants through the Fund for Decent Work and Tripartite Social Dialogue. Get more information on the programme: www.decentwork.no
Norwegian union members as well as representatives from the Port of Kristiansand Harbour Authority and Norwegian logistics company Seafront Ltd, have been in Estonia sharing their practical experience on how social dialogue works in their own ports and how it’s used as an effective tool to make ports run smoothly. The Estonian unions expressed disappointment that none of the operators in the Estonian ports industry attended saying: “Most of the organised port workers in Estonia have chosen ESIU to represent them. We are independent from employers, we have experience on social dialogue in the maritime sector and we value our good international relations through ITF and ETF. We are open to dialogue at any time and are very disappointed that the employers have not taken this opportunity to share with us what is an historic international event.”
Despite the absence of the Estonian employers, unions from both sides felt a great deal was achieved during the seminar.
Chair of the ETF Dockers Section within NTF (Norwegian Transport Workers), Terje Samuelson said: “This event in an important starting point for a project moving Estonian unions towards a system of social dialogue, which is the backbone of industrial relations throughout Europe.”
He continued: “We have been able to demonstrate that unions and employers don’t need to be constantly in dispute, in fact, a functioning system of social dialogue avoids conflict as employers and employees are able to discuss and resolve problems before they escalate. We have been lucky to have employers from a key Norwegian port who have been open and honest and prepared to engage with trade unions in both countries. We hope that the Estonian port employers will see the benefits of this kind of relationship and join us for the next seminar in September, which will be in Norway.”
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Why jobs and livelihoods matter
ILO, 20 May 2013
With the deadline for the Millennium Development Goals approaching, Aurelio Parisotto, ILO Senior Economist, explains why jobs and livelihoods should be at the centre of a post-2015 development agenda.
As we approach the 2015 deadline for the current Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), we have a golden opportunity to put jobs and livelihoods at the top of the international development agenda. This is not simply according to the ILO. The first results of the UN ‘My World’ global survey, which asked people in 190 countries for their priorities for a post-2015 development agenda, show that “jobs are a high priority everywhere.”
From Albania and Jordan to Vietnam and Zambia, the call for more and better job opportunities was also made loud and clear in online discussions and national consultations organized by the UN.
In Uganda, of the 17,000 people consulted, about half said that getting a job was their top priority. Many participants in the consultations also mentioned the need for better social protection, especially in informal sectors where economic and social insecurity is high.
These demands are not surprising given the current global labour market situation.
The scale of the challenge
Today, there are over 200 million unemployed people worldwide, almost 73 million of whom are young people. Beyond the sheer number of additional jobs needed, the quality of employment also requires urgent attention.
One in every three workers in the world is living with their families below the US$2 poverty line. They work as paid employees, own-account workers or unpaid family labour, but remain trapped in poverty. Looking ahead, some 470 million new jobs will be needed in the fifteen years from 2015 to 2030, just to keep up with the growth of the world’s working age population.
More will also have to be done to ensure those jobs are decent, offering people a true opportunity to lift themselves out of poverty. This implies concerted action to address persistent economic volatility and widening income inequalities, which are weakening the social and political fabric of our societies.
An action-oriented agenda
Simply put, we need policies that generate decent jobs.
The countries that have gone down this road for instance in Latin America and Asia – first addressed the structural factors underlying poverty and underemployment. They focused on making economic growth more inclusive by combining policies to foster investment and enterprise creation with measures to extend social protection and strengthen labour markets.
Other core elements of success included stable and sound government institutions committed to the rule of law, human rights, property rights and a suitable environment for starting and growing businesses. Labour market policies and institutions such as minimum wages and employment protection legislation also played a role.
A globally agreed agenda to improve the quality and quantity of employment would stimulate countries to focus policy attention and resources on critical aspects that were not sufficiently addressed in the MDGs.
But ultimately it will be national action that will determine the success of the new development framework. Individual countries will need some flexibility to set their own targets and take up the main responsibility of achieving them in line with national circumstances and needs.
Designing policy and monitoring progress
International support for countries to improve the collection and availability of statistics should be a key element of the new development framework.
Many developing countries already have the basic indicators for monitoring improvements in jobs and livelihoods. However, information gaps remain on the quality of jobs, particularly for people at the bottom end of the economy. A small, internationally coordinated investment in the quantity and quality of labour market statistics could make an important difference.
Ensuring that the private sector, trade unions and civil society are engaged will also be critical. Experience shows that discussions of labour and social issues benefit from the participation of different ministries and technical agencies. International assistance can play a role in facilitating those interactions.
We must meet the challenge
Access to safe, productive and fairly remunerated work is not just about earning an income. It is an important means for individuals and families to gain self-esteem, a sense of belonging to a community and a way to make a productive contribution. A shift to inclusive and sustainable development will not be possible if millions of people are denied the opportunity to earn their living in conditions of equity and dignity.
Where jobs are scarce or available livelihoods leave households in poverty there is less growth, less security and less human and economic development.
There is no doubting the scale of the challenge, which is why full and productive employment and decent work should be upgraded as a central goal of the post-2015 development agenda.
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WFTU Solidarity Mission to Mali on May 20-21, 2013
WFTU, Athens, Greece, 20 May 2013
Implementing the resolutions of the 2nd Panafrican WFTU Affiliates Meeting which convened in Khartoum, Sudan on February 4-6, 2013, WFTU is expressing its moral and practical solidarity with the suffering people of Mali with a special solidarity mission to Bamako, Mali to take place on May 20-21, 2013.
The high level delegation will be consisted by:
-Isaaka Abdou, Secretariat Member of the WFTU International Youth Committee (Niger)
-Alexandra Liberi, Head of the WFTU Media and Communications Department (Greece)
The purpose of the solidarity mission is to witness, report and expose the working and living conditions of the Malian people and the workers in particular caught in the middle of the war for the control of the region and the natural resources which is conducted by the France-led imperialist forces -with the support of the EU and NATO- and the extremist groups.
The delegation will meet with trade union organizations in Mali and express the solidarity of the international class-oriented trade union movement and the African WFTU affiliates in particular in their struggle under such difficult conditions.
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Swaziland: PM Bars Democrats From Swazi Senate
Bongani Masuku, 17 May 2013
Members of political parties advocating for democracy in Swaziland will not be allowed to become members of the Swazi Senate, the kingdom's Prime Minister Barnabas Dlamini has decreed.
Swaziland goes to the polls later this year to select a parliament, generally considered outside the kingdom to be without powers and simply a fig-leaf for King Mswati III to claim he does not rule as an absolute monarch.
Ordinary people are not allowed to vote for members of the Swazi Senate. Of its 30 members, 20 are chosen by the king and 10 are elected by members of the House of Assembly.
Of the 65 members of the House of Assembly, 10 are chosen by King Mswati and 55 are elected by the people.
All political parties are banned from participating at the elections. King Mswati claims that political parties are allowed to operate in his kingdom, but he has banned completely all parties that oppose his absolute rule and advocate democracy in Swaziland, because he considers them to be 'terrorists'.
The Prime Minister told the House of Assembly on Monday (13 May 2013) that members of the banned political parties, most notably the Peoples' United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) and its youth wing, the Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO), would not be allowed into the senate.
He was responding at a meeting of PM's office portfolio committee to a question from Lobamba MP Majahodvwa Khumalo who wanted to know if he could elect a card carrying member of any of the proscribed entities in the kingdom.
Dlamini, himself was not elected Prime Minister, or even to parliament. King Mswati, who rules Swaziland as sub-Saharan Africa's last absolute monarch, personally appointed him following the last election in 2008.
Despite the claims of King Mswati and his supporters that ordinary Swazi have representation in parliament, King Mswati is in complete control of his kingdom.
Last August (2012), at the Sibaya People's Parliament (a quaint idea of democracy where people turn up at a cattle byre and voice their opinions on topics of concern to them) speakers overwhelmingly called on the government to resign, citing its inability to control an economy spiralling out of control as a major reason.
The king claims that Sibaya is the supreme governing body in Swaziland and is above the king, but he ignored the peoples' voice.
In October 2012, the House of Assembly passed a vote of no-confidence in the prime minister and cabinet. In such circumstances the constitution requires the monarch to sack the government (he has no discretion in the matter), but King Mswati ignored this and put pressure on the House to re-run the vote, this time ensuring that it did not have the required majority to pass. Members of the House did as they were told and the government continued in office.
A number of prodemocracy groups have called for a boycott of this year's election. These include the Communist Party of Swaziland, Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) and the Swaziland United Democratic Front.
They describe the Swazi system of governance known as Tinkhundla as 'illegitimate, unpopular and a mockery to democracy'.
King Mswati has yet to set a date for the election. He has sole say over its timing.
Comment
Swazi government's prayers answered
Peter Fabricius, Foreign Editor, Independent Newspapers, 19 May 2013
The African National Congress (ANC) issued a statement earlier this month saying that ‘the democratization of Swaziland must preoccupy the work of the African National Congress’ and calling for the release of political prisoners, the return of exiles and free political activities in that country.
The Swazi government reacted as it had before, patronizingly, by saying it would pray for South Africa’s ruling party: ‘We will continue to pray for it [ANC] as it battles its teething problems and disunity,’ government spokesman Percy Simelane told the Times of Swaziland.
He approvingly cited a recent article by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu as proof that the ANC is incapable of running its own country and therefore has no business questioning how Swaziland is ruled under sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch. ‘Tutu said, “It does not seem to me now that a freedom fighting unit (ANC) can easily make the transition to becoming a political party,”’ Simelane said. He told the Times of Swaziland that Tutu confirmed the Swaziland government’s belief that the ANC must get its house in order.
He denied there were any political exiles or political prisoners. Yet Swaziland’s democratic opponents mostly live in South Africa and recently several of them were arrested or detained on return to Swaziland.
Though the ANC reportedly found Swaziland’s divine intercession on its behalf hilarious, the last laugh was on Luthuli House as Mbabane’s prayers were in effect answered. South Africa’s new High Commissioner to Swaziland, Happy Mahlangu, told the Swazi press last week just what King Mswati’s government loves to hear: ‘It would be folly to force things on the people of Swaziland,’ the Times of Swaziland reported Mahlangu as saying. ‘It is the people of Swaziland who should decide whether they want multiparty democracy. I think South Africans believe that the best way of representation is multiparties yet that is not the case. They have to understand the different types of democracies of the world, in particular in the African continent.’
These sentiments pretty much echoed what Mswati told the World Economic Forum in Cape Town last week when he was asked, during a discussion about traditional African values, whether the best way to reconcile those values and modernity, would be to move to a constitutional monarchy. His answer was revealing. He did not claim his monarchy was constitutional – which his courtiers sometimes do on the basis that the country does have a constitution, which ostensibly even enshrines basic rights. He said – like Mahlangu – that it was up to the Swazi people to decide on the country’s style of government and they did not want a constitutional monarchy. They had revealed this at the iSibaya ‘People’s Parliament’ which he convenes every seven years or so.
Of course Swazis also vote – but not on whether they want a constitutional monarchy or a monarchy at all. They vote for parliamentary candidates, approved by the authorities and representing no political party.
When Mahlangu presented his diplomatic credentials to Mswati earlier this month he had expressed good wishes for the forthcoming elections and promised South Africa’s support for them. Cosatu and several Swazi pro-democracy organisations were outraged by all of Mahlangu’s statements, urging the government to recall Mahlangu to Pretoria to explain how he could oppose multiparty democracy, when that is so firmly his own government’s policy – and how he could express support for ‘sham’ elections.
There have been many signs of policy ambivalence by South Africa over Swaziland before. But the ANC’s statement and Mahlangu’s remarks coming so close together more clearly underscored the confusion. How was it possible for a seasoned diplomat like Mahlangu to arrive at his new post so poorly briefed by his superiors that he could make statements to the king and to the local press completely at odds with his own government’s policy? Did his superiors not sit him down before he left to explain exactly what Pretoria’s policy on Swaziland is? Or should we assume that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is deliberately overriding ANC policy in this case?
Or even that the government as a whole is pursuing a policy of ‘strategic ambiguity,’ a variation of ‘quiet diplomacy’ in the Zimbabwe style, where the ANC plays the bad cop to get the essential message across and DIRCO plays the good cop, to save Mswati’s face? There have been suggestions that President Jacob Zuma himself puts the brakes on too much activism by his government in Swaziland, because of traditionalist empathies with Mswati’s style of government and because of some rather vague marital engagement of his own to a Swazi princess.
Yet Zuma’s own international relations adviser Lindiwe Zulu, who speaks both for the government and for the ANC, as an influential member of its National Executive sub-committee on international relations, betrays no ambivalence on Swaziland: ‘
There is no confusion on Swaziland,’ she said forthrightly when asked about Mahlangu’s remarks, noting that both the government and the ANC had called for democraticisation and specifically for the unbanning of political parties – hence multiparty democracy.
That was one of the conditions which Pretoria stipulated for the R2,4 billion loan it offered Swaziland two years ago, she recalled – and was the reason that the Swazi government did not accept the offer.
Zulu suggested that Mahlangu himself or DIRCO that employs him should be asked to explain his statements. DIRCO said it was not aware of Mahlangu’s statements at all. Maybe it’s time for all the arms of government to get together to agree what South Africa’s Swaziland policy is. And then to tell the rest of us – including the hapless Happy Mahlangu.
Written by Peter Fabricius, Foreign Editor, Independent Newspapers
First published on the Institute for Security Studies website
Announcements
NEHAWU vacancy a for Tshwane Regional Organizer
Location: Tshwane Region | Date: 16 May 2013 |
Job Title: | Organizer X 2 |
Province: | Gauteng Province |
Reporting to: | Regional Secretary |
Grade: | Grade B4 |
Main Purpose: To Effectively organize and represent workers |
Key Performance Areas:
§ To organize and recruit workers within the scope of the union;
§ To co-ordinate collective bargaining work of the union and lead negotiations in all companies and institutions where we bargain locally;
§ To build strong and vibrant branches, shop stewards committees and substructures capable of providing high quality service and representation to members, and attend meetings as necessary;
§ To assist in training and supporting shop stewards and office bearers;
§ To work with Paralegal Officer in building strong paralegal team within the region capable of representing members in disciplinary cases, conciliation and arbitration;
§ To represent members in grievance and disciplinary hearings where and when shop stewards and branch office bearers are unable to do so, and to refer cases to conciliation and arbitration;
§ To submit monthly reports and programs to the Regional Secretary and Phosec
The Person:
Individuals meeting the following criteria are to apply:
§ Matric or equivalent thereof
§ Experience of working in a trade union movement
§ Experience in Microsoft Office packages
§ Prepared to work flexible hours
§ Report writing skills
§ Drafting of Agreements
§ Organizing
§ Good Communication skills
§ Knowledge and interpretation of legislation
§ Valid Driver’s License
Remuneration:
Membership of Nehawu Provident Fund
Medical Aid
Housing Subsidy subject to completion of the qualifying period
Membership of the NEHAWU Group Schemes
13th Cheque; and
Salary is based on the Nehawu salary grading system.
Applications:
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to apply for a Regional Organiser position. Applications must be accompanied by a C.V., list of at least two references and copy of qualifications must be addressed to:
The Provincial Secretary
Provincial Office
P.O. Box 7394
Johannesburg
2000
Fax to : (011) 333 1696
Email to : gpadmin...@nehawu.org.za
Closing Date:
Closing date for applications is 30 May 2013
No late applications will be accepted
________________
NEHAWU Vacancy for a Vuyani Mabaxa Regional [Jhb] Organizer
Location: Vuyani Mabaxa (Greater JHB) Region | Date: 16 May 2013 |
Job Title: | Organizer |
Province: | Gauteng Province |
Reporting to: | Regional Secretary |
Grade: | Grade B4 |
Main Purpose: To Effectively organize and represent workers |
Key Performance Areas:
§ To organize and recruit workers within the scope of the union;
§ To co-ordinate collective bargaining work of the union and lead negotiations in all companies and institutions where we bargain locally;
§ To build strong and vibrant branches, shop stewards committees and substructures capable of providing high quality service and representation to members, and attend meetings as necessary;
§ To assist in training and supporting shop stewards and office bearers;
§ To work with Paralegal Officer in building strong paralegal team within the region capable of representing members in disciplinary cases, conciliation and arbitration;
§ To represent members in grievance and disciplinary hearings where and when shop stewards and branch office bearers are unable to do so, and to refer cases to conciliation and arbitration;
§ To submit monthly reports and programs to the Regional Secretary and Phosec
The Person:
Individuals meeting the following criteria are to apply:
§ Matric or equivalent thereof
§ Experience of working in a trade union movement
§ Experience in Microsoft Office packages
§ Prepared to work flexible hours
§ Report writing skills
§ Drafting of Agreements
§ Organizing
§ Good Communication skills
§ Knowledge and interpretation of legislation
§ Valid Driver’s License
Remuneration:
Membership of Nehawu Provident Fund
Medical Aid
Housing Subsidy subject to completion of the qualifying period
Membership of the NEHAWU Group Schemes
13th Cheque; and
Salary is based on the Nehawu salary grading system.
Applications:
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to apply for a Regional Organiser position.
Applications must be accompanied by a C.V., list of at least two references and copy of qualifications must be addressed to:
The Provincial Secretary
Provincial Office
P.O. Box 7394
Johannesburg
2000
Fax to : (011) 333 1696
Email to : gpadmin...@nehawu.org.za
Closing Date:
Closing date for applications is 30 May 2013
No late applications will be accepted
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Africa Day & District Political Schools Launch Supported by Limpopo Arts And Culture Association [LACA] on the 25th May 2013
Louisa Nxumalo, 20 May 2013
Programme
Prgoramme Director : Prov. Deputy Chair Cde Rangers Molapo
Opening : 10H00
Item by: Limpopo Arts & Culture Association : 10H00-10H30
Opening Address by Provincial Chairperson : 10H30 -10H45
Cde Essob Mokgonyana
Acknowledgement of Guests by : 10H45 – 11H00
Provincial Treasurer Cde Annah Makgoba
The Role Of LACA in the Province by : The Managing : 11H00-11H30
Director James Mabela
Item by LACA : 11H30-12H00
Presentation on Africa in History by Cde Rudolph Phala : 12H00-13H00
Presentation on Political Challenges in Swaziland
and Zimbabwe by International Relations Secretary : 13H00-14H00
Cde Bongani Masuku
LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH : 14H00-14H45 |
Launch of District Political Schools By Education Secretary
Cde Lazola Ndamase : 15H00-15H30
COSATU Campaigns by Provincial Secretary Cde Dan Sebabi : 15H30-16H00
Entertainment by LACA : 16H00-21H00
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Chris Hani Institute & City Press Public Debate Invitation!
Dear Comrades,
We invite you to a Debate.
Engaging the National Development Plan: Old wine in new bottles?
Jeremy Cronin, Deputy General Secretary, SACP
and
Bobby Godsell, National Planning Commissioner
Moderator: Devan Pillay, Wits University
Date: 24 May 2013
Time: 15h00
Venue: 2nd Floor, Cosatu House, 110 Jorissen Street, Braamfontein
RSVP: pris...@chi.org.za or 082 574 2315; Tel: (011) 339 3040 Fax (011) 339 3041
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The South African Medical Association Vacancy for IR Advisor
IR Advisor Post
The South African Medical Association (SAMA) is seeking to appoint an Industrial Relations Advisor in the Public Sector Division;
Job Purpose: To provide consulting services, representation, support and advice on complex labour and employment related matters to members of SAMA within the assigned provinces.
Job Responsibilities:
Operations
· To provide expert advice and support to members on labour law and labour disputes on a daily basis.
· To represent SAMA members at grievance process level, disciplinary hearing, conciliation, arbitration and designated labour court proceedings to ensure adherence to fair labour practice and overall integrity.
· Draft and process all legal correspondence in prosecuting disputes on behalf of members in the dispute resolution forums and in particular at the labour court level
· Ensure that favourable outcomes for members are implemented fully by the employer as per the agreements.
Research & Development
· To keep abreast of current legal trends and labour law and ensure that effective research is conducted on precedents to ensure that accurate advice, representation and negotiation can be done on behalf of the SAMA members.
Reporting
· Monitor current trends in the public health service and proactively advise members of any changes through publications of IR articles in the SAMA insider.
· Ensure that all IR enquiries and disputes are correctly captured onto the case management system thereby ensuring that all cases are managed effectively and efficiently.
General
· Work together with colleagues to ensure that the best possible service is provided to SAMA’s members at all times.
· Maintains records, prepares reports and composes correspondence relative to the daily work of an IR Advisor.
· Assist when required the Organising and Bargaining Unit with negotiations on conditions of service for the public sector member by representing SAMA members at required bargaining structures.
Job Requirements:
• 3 year B degree in HRM / Labour Relations or National Diploma in Labour Law
• 3-5 years experience in a similar role
• 2-3 years experience in the public healthcare sector is desirable
• Extensive knowledge of Labour Laws such as LRA, BCEA, OHSA, PSA, EEA, etc.
• Knowledge of Government Regulations and Policies
• Knowledge of Public Service Collecting agreements
• Understanding of Collective Bargaining and Union Environment
• Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and procedures of collective bargaining
• Knowledge of rules and standards of conduct in the public sectors.
• LLB degree is desirable
• IRASA Membership is desirable
Term: Permanent
To apply: submit a covering letter and a detailed CV to Odessa Sifora
Email: ode...@samedical.org
Closing date: 24 May 2013
___________
The South African Medical Association Organising and Bargaining Officer Vacancy
Organising and Bargaining Officer Post
The South African Medical Association (SAMA) is seeking to appoint a Organising and Bargaining Officer in the Public Sector Division;
Job Purpose:
To represent SAMA and its members at collective bargaining forums and manage collective bargaining agreements, disputes and submissions on behalf of the Trade Union. Ensure that all SAMA representatives at the relevant Trade union subcommittees and Branches market and recruit new members, identify issues and support all Trade Union initiatives across the country.
Job Responsibilities
Project Management
· To coordinate designated projects relating to the organising and collective bargaining function, including the Public service bargaining Councils, provincial chambers and other committees
· Assist in the implementation of the key objectives as directed by the relevant trade union committees or subcommittees or as required by the external market and collective bargaining arenas.
· Coordinate the setting up of the trade union structures and collective bargaining functions
· In conjunction with the Unit Manager and other internal stakeholders, coordinate and support all efforts relating to industrial action and ensure that SAMA’s image is upheld at all times.
Relationship Management
· Attend designed meetings relating to the Trade Union function including COSATU structures, Public service Bargaining structures and committees as directed by the Unit Manager and ensure accurate representation of SAMA.
· Provide feedback to all internal stakeholders after meetings to ensure effective knowledge sharing and generation of actions to address current concerns, trends or opportunities.
· Build and maintain effective working relationships with external key stakeholders to ensure that SAMA is at the forefront of negotiations and latest news and trends in the Collective Bargaining arena.
Marketing
· In conjunction with the unit Manager and other internal stakeholders like the Marketing Department, assist in the development of a targeted recruitment drive to attract potential non members to grow the SAMA Trade Union membership.
· Ensure ongoing running of campaigns to recruit new members for the Trade Union and SAMA
Operations
· Ensure that all collective bargaining demands from members are consolidated, researched and submitted for negotiations.
· Assist the Unit Manger in drafting collective agreements, policies and procedures relating to this function and ensure they are submitted timeously and where required implemented effectively.
· Assist in the research and monitoring of legislation and case law relevant to this function to ensure that SAMA is consistently proactive and market leaders in terms of policy development and procedures relating to the Collective Bargaining Division and functionality.
Job Requirements:
• Diploma in Labour Relations/Law
• Postgraduate Qualification in Labour Relations/Law is desirable
• 2-5 years collective bargaining experience
• 1-3 years drafting submissions for consideration
• Knowledge of Collective bargaining procedures
• Knowledge of all legislation relating to the healthcare industry and labour(LRA,EEA,BCEA,NHA,OHSA
etc)
• Advanced negotiating skills
• Computer Skills(MS Office)
• Excellent Communication skills(verbal and report writing)
• Conflict Resolution
• Presentation skills
• Persuading an influencing skills
•
Term: Permanent
To apply: submit a covering letter and a detailed CV to Odessa Sifora
Email: ode...@samedical.org
Closing date: 24 May 2013
________
_________
COSATU skinning in the game of social media-Enabling the trade union movement to nurture a communicative platform
The Congress of South Africa Trade Unions has broken new grounds by enabling its members and the society at large, to shape its progressive work.
Follow COSATU General Secretary, cde Zwelinzima Vavi @zwelinzima1 and also COSATU’s Official twitter handles @_cosatu and @cosatu2015, for a second to second update on issues affecting the working class in South Africa and elsewhere.
And the Federation has a Facebook Page ; http://www.facebook.com/pages/Congress-of-South-Africa-Trade-Unions-Cosatu-Today/390972744302076?fref=ts
Forward with building a strong and vibrant trade union movement through a communication platform.
An injury to one is an injury to all!
____________
Follow Fred van Leeuwen on Twitter!-EI GS
Education International
EI General Secretary Fred van Leeuwen is now on Twitter - follow @fredvanleeuwen for news, views, insights and highlights from the global education scene.
"Twitter is an amazing tool. Anyone can publish, and re-publish, information instantly, and thus distribute knowledge to thousands of people within minutes. Look at the revolutions in Arab countries that relied on Twitter for rapid communication; or the heated debates that spring up on Twitter during large events like the State of the Union address in the United States - these events show the immense potential the service has," he said.
"I am happy to be able to contribute, and look forward to sharing and discussing with colleagues and friends via Twitter."
To follow Fred van Leeuwen on Twitter, click here to go to@fredvanleeuwen, his Twitter profile. It is also possible to follow@eduint, Education International's offical Twitter account.
____________
Follow ITUC Secretary General-Sharan Burrow
___________
Norman Mampane (Communications Officer)
Congress of South African Trade Unions
110 Jorissen Cnr Simmonds Street
Braamfontein
2017
P.O.Box 1019
Johannesburg
2000
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 339-4911 or Direct 010 219-1342
Mobile: +27 72 416 3790
E-Mail: mam...@cosatu.org.za
