Taking COSATU Today Forward, 26 June 2024
Norman Mampane
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COSATU TODAY |
Taking COSATU Today Forward
‘Whoever sides with the revolutionary people in deed as well as in word is a revolutionary in the full sense’-Maoo
Our side of the story
Wednesday, 26 June 2024
COSATU Call Centre Number is 010 219 1342
“Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism”
Organize or Starve!
Contents
o Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- Mitchells Plain Labour Centre relocates to new premises
o South Africa
- COSATU is deeply disappointed the ANC has chosen to ignore its step aside resolution with Zizi Kodwa's swearing-in as an MP
- Social Development commemorates 2024 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
- SACP congratulates new Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and calls for improved clean governance and service to the people
o International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- ITUC builds alignment for robust international treaty on corporate accountability
- Let's act on our commitments and eliminate child labour
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
Mitchells Plain Labour Centre relocates to new premises
25 June 2024
The Department of Employment and Labour is pleased to announce the relocation of our Mitchells Plain Labour Centre from the Old Post Office Building, Polka Square, 7th Avenue Town Centre, Mitchells Plain to 321 Merrydale Avenue, Mitchells Plain on 1st July 2024.
The relocation to the new premises is part of our commitment to continue providing our employees with a comfortable and conducive workplace and ensuring we maintain our quality services to our clients and stakeholders. Moving can be overwhelming, hence, we wanted to provide the public with information that ensures a smooth transition to our new location.
During the moving process our services will be interrupted. Your cooperation and patience will be highly appreciated. We advise that you make use of other Labour Centres in and around Cape Town and our online services during the week of 24 June to 27 June 2024. The Mitchells Plain Labour Centre will be completely closed on 28 June 2024. Our services will resume on the 1st of July 2024, at the new address (321 Merrydale Avenue, Mitchells Plain).
The public's cooperation and understanding in this matter are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Mitchells Plain Labour Centre Manager Mr Ngubo Lubelwana on 079 510 3387.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jason Lloyd, Provincial Communication Officer: Western Cape
082 728 5476/ Jason...@labour.gov.za
-END-
Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour
South Africa
COSATU is deeply disappointed the ANC has chosen to ignore its step aside resolution with Zizi Kodwa's swearing-in as an MP
Matthew Parks, COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, 25 June 2024
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is deeply disappointed that our ally, the African National Congress (ANC) has chosen to recklessly ignore its own step aside resolution with the swearing-in of comrade Zizi Kodwa as a Member of Parliament.
This is a poorly thought through and ill-considered decision by the ANC that undermines its progressive step aside resolution for public representatives. It sends a painfully worrying question to society on whether the ANC is committed to holding its public representatives accountable and its bold and necessary renewal campaign.
It defies logic as a mere few weeks ago then Minister Kodwa resigned from office upon being charged and appearing before court on allegations of corruption. What was the purpose of his resigning only to be sworn-in again weeks later?
This begs the question of how the ANC expects the 7th administration and Parliament to win back the confidence of workers and a society exasperated by a decade of state capture and corruption when it scores such unnecessary own goals.
Whilst we do not celebrate the difficulties that comrade Kodwa is going through and wish him well during his trial, it is not befitting to have Members of Parliament traipsing in and out of court.
We had hoped the humbling election results on May 29 would have been a sobering moment for our comrades at Luthuli House and an opportunity for serious self-introspection and correction.
We can only hope that this moment may still dawn on them.
Issued by COSATU
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Social Development commemorates 2024 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
26 Jun 2024
Social Development concerned about alcohol as first drug of choice this International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
As the world commemorates International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the department of social development is concerned about alcohol as the first drug of choice by
young people.
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit trafficking is observed annually on the 26th of June. This day which is commonly referred to as World drug Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987 with the aim of strengthening action
and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.
The significance of World Drug Day 2024 lies in its ability to raise awareness about the severe consequences of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Drugs not only destroy lives but also disrupts communities, fuel crime, and weaken economies. According to the
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), around 269 million people worldwide used drugs in 2018, and these numbers continue to rise. The world drug day highlights the global commitment needed to address drug abuse and illicit trafficking through education,
support, and rehabilitation.
The day underscores the necessity of international cooperation as drug trafficking is a trans-national challenge that requires a coordinated response from governments, organisations, and individuals.
The theme for World Drug Day 2024 is: “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”. The theme teaches countries the importance of understanding that effective drug policies need to be grounded in science, research, compassion, and full respect for human rights.
The day also emphasise a thorough comprehension of the social, economic, and health consequences of drug use.
World Drug Day 2024 also emphasises the importance of ending stigma and strengthening prevention efforts to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking. By uniting globally and prioritizing compassion and education, significant strides toward a drug-free world
can be achieved.
Individuals can contribute to the commemoration of this day by spreading awareness, supporting local prevention and rehabilitation programs, participating in community events, and advocating for policies that address drug abuse and trafficking.
The 2024 Commemoration was preceded by a National Anti-Drug Awareness week which commenced from 18-22 June 2024. During that week, it was critical for the department to lead various activities in all provinces to highlight the harmful use, abuse, misuse of
alcohol and drugs.
On the 18th of June 2024, the department engaged with community members from Scenery Park, East London, which is grappling with a high rate of substance abuse, especially amongst the youth. The engagement coincided with the remembrance of the tragic deaths
of 21 teenagers at Enyobeni Tavern two years ago, highlighting the ongoing challenge of drug abuse and community efforts to address the scourge.
Identifying the high rates of alcohol abuse in the area led to the formation of Lion Trackers, a women’s football team, aimed at diverting young people from alcohol and drug abuse. Seventeen-year-old Sombesiwe Vakela, a representative for young people and a
striker for the Lion Trackers, emphasised that winning the fight against substance abuse required assistance from the community. She highlighted how activities like sports can keep young people away from alcohol and drugs. Parents were also urged to play
an important role in ensuring that children were protected against the use, misuse and abuse of alcohol and drugs.
The department in partnership with the Eastern Cape Liquor Board and SAPS engaged with Liquor traders at Ndavana Community with the aim of raising awareness about the harmful use, abuse, and misuse of alcohol and drugs and the importance of responsible trading.
The Eastern Cape Liquor Board’s, Ms Bongi Bozo, explained the detailed process involved when verifying applications for a liquor license and the powers of the board to not only fine but arrest irresponsible traders selling alcohol to children younger than
18 and serving alcohol to pregnant women. Ms Bozo appealed to liquor traders to comply with the trading guidelines.
One positive recommendation from the engagements was the need for initiating a forum led by the Liquor Board to regularly engage traders and the community on pressing matters such as illegal shebeens that are mushrooming uncontrollably. The crime rate associated
with substance abuse, and the selling of drugs and other harmful substances outside some taverns.
The department also engaged the community of Nxarhuni which included children, youth, parents and community leaders. Opening the engagement was a 12-year-old child with a powerful inspirational poem urging the youth to fight for their future by staying away
from the use of harmful substances and criminal activities. Young people at these build-up activities cited boredom, peer pressure and easy access to drugs and alcohol as some of the major challenges present in their community. They asked parents to actively
support initiatives that educate everyone about the risks associated with substance abuse, advocating for a proactive approach to community wellness.
Ms Motshabi Nkoane, the Social Work Policy Manager, at the National Department of Social Development, raised a concern on the high level of alcohol abuse in South Africa, especially, amongst young people which includes binge drinking. She echoed that substance
abuse is not a Department of Social Development issue alone, and therefore all relevant stakeholders, including, Councillors, Traditional Leadership and Communities should be involved to fight the scourge of substance abuse as stipulated in the National Drug
Master Plan, which is the overarching blueprint of the country’s response to substance abuse.
The department is concerned that alcohol remains the first drug of choice for young people and the policy of Prevention and treatment of Substance Use Disorders (SUD) will be finalised for tabling to cabinet for approval. The policy seeks to empower the country
to deal with the abuse of alcohol especially by children and replace effective policies with evidence-based policies.
Finally, the International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit trafficking coincides with the international conference at currently underway in Thessaloniki, Greece by the Global Commission on drug policy for credentialing and certification. South Africa is
a member of the commission and its participation is to align the country interventions with international standards and certify practitioners to provide substance use services.
Media enquiries may be forwarded to:
Ms Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail: lum...@dsd.gov.za
Issued by Department of Social Development
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SACP congratulates new Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and calls for improved clean governance and service to the people
Bheke Stofile, SACP Free State Provincial Secretary,15 June 2024
We need bold initiatives to place provincial economy on a new growth and developmental path
The SACP Free State congratulates Comrade Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae on her election as the new Free State Premier. Comrade Letsoha-Mathae’s election follows an Alliance inclusive ANC-led meritocratic selection process. The SACP in the province pledges its support and expresses confidence that she will deliver selflessly to the people of the province.
In the same vein, the Party extends its thanks to the former Premier, Comrade Mxolisi Dukwana and the executive committee he led for their service to the people of the Free State. We urge our new Premier to harness and expand the positive and progressive work of the outgoing executive and inject new energy, innovation and greater determination in service and development of the province and its people.
In particular, the Party expects the new executive to remain true to the commitments made through our ANC-led Alliance election manifesto. As a matter of priority, government must move with speed to address challenges of collapsing basic service delivery as well as challenges of governance and stability in the provincial and local state, and place the provincial economy on a new corruption-free growth and developmental trajectory to address the deepening crisis of unemployment, poverty, inequality and under-development.
The recent national and provincial election results represent the clearest expression of the will of the people who demand decisive and responsive leadership that responds to and advances the interests of the people. The SACP expects the ANC to ensure consensus seeking consultation with the Alliance in finalising a leadership collective to form Premier Letsoa-Mathae’s executive council. Furthermore, the SACP will advance and lobby the Alliance for extra-parliamentary mechanisms to collaborate with government and ensure seamless monitoring, accountability and community involvement in public affairs.
ISSUED BY SACP FREE STATE
International-Solidarity
ITUC builds alignment for robust international treaty on corporate accountability
26 June 2024
The ITUC General Secretary recently met with the head of the group tasked with drafting an international treaty on corporate accountability.
Luc Triangle, accompanied by the trade union negotiator for the process, Ruwan Subasinghe, presented the Ecuadorian ambassador to the UN, Cristian Espinosa Cañizares, with a letter expressing the support and demands of the ITUC and the Global Unions for the work of the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group (OEIGWG). Mr Cañizares chairs the OEIGWG, which is working on an international legally binding instrument to regulate the activities of transnational corporations under international human rights law.
The letter outlined the ITUC’s core priorities for the treaty:
· Broad scope: Coverage of all internationally recognised human rights, including fundamental workers’ and trade union rights.
· Comprehensive coverage: Inclusion of all business enterprises regardless of size, sector, operational context, ownership and structure.
· Extraterritorial regulation: a duty to regulate corporations and provide victims of transnational corporate human rights violations with access to justice in the home states of the corporations.
· Human rights due diligence: a mandate for businesses to adopt and apply human rights due diligence policies and procedures.
· Corporate accountability: the reaffirmation of the applicability of human rights obligations to corporate operations.
· International enforcement: the creation of a strong, international monitoring and enforcement mechanism.
Luc Triangle stressed the importance of these measures, stating: "These negotiations are a critical opportunity to establish an international legal framework that addresses the power and impact of transnational corporations on the human rights of millions of working people.
“The international trade union movement will continue to actively participate in this process and will demand the strongest possible treaty language. We need a binding treaty that holds corporations accountable and ensures justice for working people affected by human rights violations, and we need it now."
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Let's act on our commitments and eliminate child labour
12 June 2024
By eliminating child labour and ensuring vocational skills for the youth, Bangladesh would secure a better future for its children, and develop the skilled workforce needed for the country’s economic prosperity.
Child labour remains a significant global issue, infringing on children's rights and hindering their development. A 2021 ILO-UNICEF report estimates that about 160 million children worldwide are involved in child labour, with 79 million in hazardous work that threatens their health, safety, and moral development.
Although there had been progress over the past two decades, COVID-19, the global recession and recent wars have rolled back the gains, worsening the situation. The persistence of child labour is closely linked to poverty, lack of access to quality education, and inadequate legal and social protections.
Significant progress
Bangladesh has made significant progress, including eliminating child labour in six hazardous sectors including shipbreaking, glass, ceramics, and tanneries. The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) also introduced a digital inspection system, LIMA, to strengthen its activities to ensure that workplaces are safe and free of child labour.
However, child labour remains a critical issue. The National Child Labour Survey, 2022, shows that 1.7 million children are still engaged in child labour, with 1.1 million doing hazardous work. By eliminating child labour and ensuring vocational skills for the youth, Bangladesh would secure a better future for its children, and develop the skilled workforce needed for the country’s economic prosperity, especially after LDC graduation.
Recommendations
On this World Day against Child Labour, the ILO encourages the Government of Bangladesh to consider the following recommendations to fulfil its pledge to eliminate all forms of child labour by 2025.
Amend the labour law to severely penalize employment of children, more so in hazardous work. Bring child domestic workers into the legal framework to protect them from exploitation and other forms of harm.
Align the minimum age, 14, for entry into the workforce with that for compulsory education. The National Education Policy should set grade eight as the benchmark for compulsory education.
Introduce robust social security programmes for parents and children so that families do not have to rely on children’s income.
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) we stand ready to support the Government in its efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labour including child trafficking, prostitution, and pornography.
Ending child labour is a moral imperative and a key step towards social justice.
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Norman Mampane (Shopsteward Editor)
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 Direct line: 010 219-1348