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President's End of Year Message - 2008 
Dear
colleagues
The
end of the year is a time of reflection; a time when one is often overwhelmed
by sentiment. On the one hand, we
celebrate the triumphs and successes of the year; on the other we regret the failures
and missed opportunities of the same.
One
way to measure our success as SATAWU, is to look at our growth in membership
and at the Congress Resolutions we have implemented. For both these
achievements, I want to thank all involved - the organisers, shop stewards and national
sector co-ordinators - for a job well done.
I further want to congratulate our members, shop
stewards, organisers, sector co-ordinators and all other staff members in our
offices across the country, for executing our recruitment drive so well that we have needed to appoint additional
shop stewards, and increase our quota of full-time shop stewards in some sectors.
In this commendable feat, you have acted as true ambassadors of SATAWU.
As I review the last twelve
months, I see a year that has been extremely eventful - perhaps the most eventful
since the dawn of our democracy. It was a difficult year; a year that called on
leaders to show leadership. On that note I must salute the leadership of
SATAWU both nationally and provincially, for the exceptional skill they have
shown in navigating through some of the thorniest issues we have yet seen.
I have little doubt that
most of our comrades here and elsewhere, will remember this year as one that
has seen politics and economics compete full throttle to outdo one another in
sheer drama and theatrics, locally and internationally. In our own country, we
have seen our movement grow and mature as much as we have seen our struggle for
the improvement of workers’ rights taken to newer heights. The underlying truth
is that our commitment to the National Democratic Revolution has been severely
tested this year, but I dare say we have emerged victorious through
single-mindedness and our resolute quest for a stronger alliance between the African National
Congress, the South African Communist Party and the Congress of South African
Trade Unions.
Internationally, we shall
recall the momentous events in theUnited States of America, which saw
the historic nomination of the first black man to lead a major party leading up
to an election. We will recall too, how the entire world held its collective
breath as Americans held their 54th elections to find a suitable
replacement for the discredited George W. Bush and his administration. The
convincing victory which swept Barack Obama to power was viewed by the world as
more than just a leader handing on the baton to another - or for that matter, a
party relinquishing power to another.
Instead it was seen as the triumph of a new order over an old. The
entire progressive community of the world is still applauding this change
of guard, fromBoston toBujumbura.
On the global front, the
economic meltdown and the credit crunch we
experienced this year has been catastrophic around the world. It has been
particularly devastating to the working class and the poor. The loss of jobs,
down-sizing of companies, and increased credit burden that our members experienced
this year has been unseen in almost a century.
South Africa has felt the brunt of these challenges, as have most
developing countries. Comrades, let us be frank in our assessment of the causes
and effects of these problems. These challenges are a result of bad policies.
They are an unequivocal vindication of our position that pro-business and
pro-rich policies have a disastrous effect on the poor and the working class.
Our position is to continue to fight against these excesses, be it on the JSE
or on Wall Street. If we renege on this responsibility, we shall continue to
see governments protect billionaires while workers are left to dry. We shall
see more of us lose our homes while billionaires continue to flourish with
reckless abandon. Let us continue to mobilise and organise so that the labour
movement plays the critical role it was historically mandated to play in the
economy.
Comrades, let me focus my
attention on the developments we witnessed at the 52nd elective Conference
of the ANC in December 2007, and the aftermath thereof. Maqabane, Polokwane has been catalytic in our
movement. The series of events that eventually led to the recall of Thabo
Mbeki from executive office was unprecedented, and therefore undoubtedly filled
our people with anxiety and insecurity. But, comrades, it is our duty as cadres
of this movement to spread the word that all is well. It is true however, that
these events have called us to self-examine and to set a new tone and new
standards for ourselves. Inevitably,
they have set member against member and led to bad blood, vindictiveness and
political fall-out from within our own ranks. Ultimately, these events have led
to the formation of a new political organisation led by our former comrades and
leaders.
This, of course, has
bolstered the neo-liberal establishment in the country. My message to you is
this: Let a thousand flowers bloom. Our democracy will emerge stronger.
However, as we take stock
of all these developments, let us be warned: it is not the time for extended
self-congratulation and triumph. Let us not forget the mandate that our people
gave us - to fight for a better life for all. That mandate is still outstanding
as poverty, crime and disease still wreak havoc in our townships and informal
settlements. This has at times, led to random attacks on foreigners whom some
locals view as the ones frustrating this “better life for all”. In a few
months, our country will convene once again to extend that mandate for another
term. Let us remain committed to the grassroots. Let us give our
people reason to dream.
Lastly comrades, I urge you
to enjoy responsibly this festive season. Guard your money, do not over-indulge.
Two of the worst challenges facing citizens of this country, HIV/AIDS and road accidents, are sadly driven by excessive indulgence. We need
every single cadre as we take on yet another very important year: 2009.
For and on
behalf of SATAWU national office-bearers, I want to
take this opportunity to wish all members and staff a happy Christmas, prosperous New Year, and everything
of the best for this festive season and beyond.
Heed the Arrive Alive campaign - don’t drink and drive - because in 2009, we
shall require you to vote wisely; vote
ANC!
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