Long live COSATU!

As this edition of ANC TODAY goes to press, the ANC and the rest of the democratic movement are involved in important activities to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our trade union ally, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), the successor federation to SACTU, the South African Congress of Trade Unions, formed on December 1, 1985.

In our January 8th Statement this year we said:

“In addition to celebrating 50 years of the Freedom Charter, during 2005, we will also mark:

• The 50th Anniversary of the formation of the SA Congress of Trade Unions (SACTU);
• The 20th Anniversary of the formation of our Alliance partner, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU); and,
• The 10th Anniversary of the death of Isithwalandwe Joe Slovo.

“In marking these important occasions in the history of our ongoing struggle for national liberation, we will draw on the inspiration of those who shaped our history and contributed so much to what we have achieved as a nation.’

It is indeed critically important that as we mark and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the formation of COSATU, we must “draw on the inspiration of those who shaped our history and contributed so much to what we have achieved as a nation.’

In our 1985 January 8th Statement, delivered 11 months before COSATU was established, our late President, Oliver Tambo, said:

“By attacking, we frustrated the enemy's attempts to contain the militant democratic trade union movement and transform it into a tame and timid shadow that accords with the regime's wishes. This increased the fears that the White minority regime has of the power of the organised Black workers of our country...

“We take this opportunity to salute the workers of our country, who, in the teeth of the most vicious racist persecution, have sustained and kept alive the spirit of militant democratic trade unionism such as is embodied in the policy and programme of the South African Congress of Trade Unions (SACTU)...

“The organised workers formed the core of the historic Transvaal stay-at-home which paralysed industry and commerce in the economic heartland of the country and compelled the capitalist owners of property to speak out. In an unprecedented move, the organisation of the leading capitalists drew the attention of the ruling group to the fact that the continued use of the old methods of repression would only serve to inspire the workers to intensify their offensive.

“During this massive struggle, we achieved a level of united action among all sections of the oppressed, and the democratic forces as a whole, which must serve as a basis for the further escalation of the united people's struggle for the victory of the national democratic revolution. We warmly salute all the workers and trade unionists who, in action, affirmed the correctness of the perspective we put forward last year, and the offensive of the working class is, and must be, an integral part of the national liberation struggle.’

It was out of this offensive of the working class, which was an integral part of the national liberation struggle, that COSATU was born, continuing to represent the spirit of militant democratic trade unionism that had been exemplified by SACTU.

From its very foundation, COSATU took important decisions that confirmed its place as a vital and integral part of our movement for national liberation.

In a 1987 Resolution on Political Policy, it said:

“The apartheid regime is incapable of meeting even the minimum demands of our people and has instead resorted to the (State of) Emergency and other violent measures to stifle democratic opposition. The struggle against national oppression is inseparable from the struggle against capitalist exploitation...

“While we are involved in a struggle for national liberation, true liberation can only be achieved through an economic and social transformation of our society to serve the interests of the working class...

“The Congress of the People which was held in Kliptown on the 26th June 1955 was representative of all the patriotic forces in our country when the Congress adopted a programme of minimum demands which became known as the Freedom Charter.

“The Freedom Charter is today a rallying point and enjoys mass support among our people...COSATU adopts the Freedom Charter as a guiding document which reflects the views and aspirations of the majority of the oppressed and exploited in our struggle against national oppression and economic exploitation...

“COSATU must develop permanent structures at local, regional and national levels with other sectors of the democratic movement, which will strengthen our relationship and interaction with these organisations and promote the leading role of the working class in a united front alliance.’

As part of that united front alliance, COSATU played a central role in the intensification of the mass offensive against the apartheid regime and ensuring that the working class discharged its responsibility to play a leading role in our struggle as a whole.

This also included the promotion of the international struggle against apartheid South Africa represented, for instance, by a resolution on Sanctions adopted in 1987, in which the Federation called for: “Comprehensive and mandatory sanctions, which are the only sanctions which are likely to bring effective pressure which will assist in bringing about a non-violent, truly democratic and non-racial South Africa.’

Similarly, COSATU joined forces with the rest of the democratic movement to advance the demands that became central to the critical campaign to create a climate conducive to negotiations. In this regard, at its Inaugural Conference, it called for:

• the immediate lifting of the State of Emergency;
• the withdrawal of the SADF and all apartheid security forces from the townships; and,
• the unconditional release of all political prisoners and detainees, the unbanning of banned individuals and organisations, as a prelude to the creation of a democratic South Africa where all shall live in peace and prosperity.”

The Federation also advanced a wide range of demands that became an integral part of the transformation agenda of the democratic government. These included such issues as:

• the abolition of the migrant labour system;
• the establishment of an educational system that “serves the interests of the vast majority of the people”;
• the right to strike, as “a legitimate right and necessary weapon of the working class in their struggle against bad working conditions and low wages”;
• the eradication of “all unequal and discriminatory treatment of women at work, in society and in the Federation”;
• “full maternity rights, including paid maternity and paternity leave and job security;
• the promotion and protection of the right of every worker to a safe and healthy work environment;
• a minimum wage for domestic workers and access to the Unemployment Insurance Fund;
• the initiation of “a national programme of public works to provide jobs for the unemployed and to improve services and facilities in working class communities...; and,
• * the proclamation of March 21, May 1 and June 16 as paid public holidays.

The mere recall of these demands made by COSATU two decades ago, as it took up its leading role as a representative of the working class, shows the enormously valuable work the Federation has done positively to advance the interests of the workers and contribute to our country’s reconstruction, development and social transformation.

Recognising the critical role that COSATU would play in the future of our country, in the 1986 January 8th Statement, the late Oliver Tambo said:

“We also seize this occasion especially to welcome most warmly the formation of the Congress of South African Trade Unions. We extend to its leaders, its affiliated unions and to the membership of those unions the revolutionary greetings of the ANC leadership, inside and outside prison and inside and outside our country, as well as those of our entire membership.

“The struggle to form one democratic trade union centre has been hard and protracted. Many comrades have spent countless hours working to achieve the result that was consummated with the formation of COSATU. We all acted in this manner convinced of the need for the unity of the working class of our country, of the imperative to defend and advance the interests of this class and of the necessity for the organised, united and conscious workers to remain in the front ranks, and as an integral part of the mass army of revolution that is today shaking the apartheid system to its very foundations. The formation of COSATU has therefore added enormously to the strength of the democratic movement as a whole and is a victory which this movement must defend at all costs.”

On the eve of our democratic victory in 1994, reaffirming its position as an integral part of the mass army of revolution, COSATU joined the ANC, the SACP and the rest of the democratic movement to elaborate the Reconstruction and Development Programme.

These combined democratic forces said: “The RDP has been drawn up by the ANC-led alliance in consultation with other key mass organisations. A wide range of non-governmental

organisations (NGOs) and research organisations assisted in the process.

“This process of consultation and joint policy formulation must continue as the RDP is developed into an effective programme of government. Other key sectors of our society such as the business community must be consulted and encouraged to participate as fully as they may choose.

“Those organisations within civil society that participated in the development of the RDP will be encouraged by an ANC government to be active in and responsible for the effective implementation of the RDP.

“This inclusive approach to developing and implementing policy is unique in South Africa's political history. The special nature of the ANC as a liberation movement and the traditions of the Freedom Charter make it the only political organisation capable of unifying a wide range of social movements, community-based organisations and numerous other sectors and formations. Widespread and broad-based extra-parliamentary support will allow the ANC within a Government of National Unity (GNU) to implement the programme.”

Regardless of the fact that the GNU has ceased to exist, our government still requires the “widespread and broad-based extra-parliamentary support” mentioned in the original RDP document. Similarly, the ANC has a continuing obligation to “unify a wide range of social movements, community-based organisations and numerous other sectors and formations” to expedite the process of social transformation.

In this regard, in the 1996 January 8th Statement, President Nelson Mandela made some important observations which relate to the strategic issue of the tasks of the liberation movement for the further advance of the national democratic revolution. He said:

“The practical programmes we have to carry out this year emphasise the importance of the mobilisation of our people to continue the struggle for democracy, peace and development. In this regard, we must educate the people to treat the state as their own, an instrument in their hands in the common effort to achieve a better life for all on a sustainable basis.

“We must discourage the notion that the state is a social organism from which the people are necessarily alienated and towards which they stand in political opposition or from which they passively wait for entitlements.

“We must not underestimate the challenges that face us in effecting the transition from a resistance movement to the leader of a complex process of the fundamental transformation of our country. History has now charged us with the responsibility of pursuing the democratic revolution in conditions where much of political power is in the hands of the people.

“This transition will not occur merely as a result of its better theoretical understanding on the part of both our movement and people. Above all, it is practice that will teach the people how to take their destiny into their own hands in the new conditions, how to use the power in their hands not as a protest movement, but as organised and conscious fighters for the transformation of our society.

“It is for this reason that we have a responsibility to mobilise our people in all their sectors to ensure their engagement in the continuing struggle for democracy, peace and development, with each sector having tasks that relate to its specific situation while being an integral part of our overall programme for transformation.”

It was with this revolutionary perspective in mind that we addressed the 3rd Central Committee of COSATU on 15 August 2005. On this occasion I said:

“I believe that our Alliance should radically improve the way it does its work. In addition to the general meetings we will continue to hold, I think we should now focus our interaction on sector-based interventions. Let me mention some examples in this regard.

“We share a common concern about job losses in clothing and textiles and gold mining, among others. As we have already started, we must continue to engage one another as members of the Alliance to determine what our response to these job losses should be.

“But we must enter into these sector engagements not only in instances where we have to respond to retrenchments. Last week, for instance, I suggested at the CEPPWAWU Congress that we must work together to take advantage of growth and job creation in the chemicals, wood, paper and pulp sectors, which we seek to develop and expand as part of our industrial policy.

“We must engage one another in a similar manner on a whole range of important specific issues, such as improving service delivery and strengthening local government, including the Ward Committees. These Committees, whose members are ordinary workers, play a critical role in ensuring the necessary contact between the people and our institutions of government.

“Similarly, we must engage one another on such other important matters as non-racism and non-sexism. We must constantly measure the progress we are making in these areas and together decide what we should do next to ensure that we actually succeed to build a non-racial and non-sexist South Africa...

“The challenge for all the members of the Alliance to contribute to progressive change in Africa means that we must interact on the issues relevant to African renewal with greater regularity and intensity than we have done in the past...

“If and when we proceed in the manner I have proposed, necessarily we will have to answer the question whether we have the capacity to cope with this expanded process of interaction? I hope that the CC will give itself time to discuss this matter.”

As we have already indicated, in 1996 Nelson Mandela said “it is practice that will teach the people how to take their destiny into their own hands in the new conditions (of democratic rule), how to use the power in their hands not as a protest movement, but as organised and conscious fighters for the transformation of our society.”

I am certain that as it begins its third decade of struggle, COSATU will continue to play its role as part of the national democratic movement, to mobilise especially the organised workers to act as conscious fighters for the transformation of our society.

To emphasise this strategic objective, at the 3rd CC of COSATU, I reminded the delegates of the Conclusion contained in the 2005 Alliance Programme of Action, which says:

"The Alliance is fully aware of the critical responsibility we have to lead the process of transformation in our country and contribute to the strengthening of efforts to build a humane world order. Unity, a sense of common purpose, the depth of understanding of our historical mission, activism, loyalty to the people - especially the poor - and commitment to international solidarity and joint action are some of the critical attributes that have placed the Alliance at the head of the forces of change in our country. We are duty-bound by the realities of our history, the yearning of our people for a better life and the confidence that they have placed in the ANC and other components of the Alliance to ensure that these qualities continue to characterise the relationship among ourselves and our interaction with the motive forces of change, and with society at large.

“To achieve the objectives and vision spelt out in this Conclusion requires a strong and united ANC, a strong and united COSATU, a strong and united SACP, and a strong and united SANCO.

“It calls for a strong and united Alliance that is determined to uphold our common vision in practical ways, and implement the Alliance Programme of Action. As members of the Alliance we share a common obligation to strengthen one another. None of us can benefit from any weakness and divisions in our ranks, and neither can the National Democratic Revolution.”

Because of its engagement in revolutionary struggle during its 1st decade of existence, COSATU will forever be honoured by all our people as a distinguished architect of the historic democratic victory of 1994.

The masses of our people will always celebrate its critical contribution during its 2nd decade to the construction of the new South Africa inspired by the vision contained in the Freedom Charter.

These masses will continue to rely on COSATU, during its 3rd decade of struggle, to help mobilise our workers and people to unite in action as conscious fighters for the transformation of our society, pursuing the democratic revolution in conditions where political power is in the hands of the people.

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our ally, COSATU, we repeat what Oliver Tambo said in 1986: “We seize this occasion especially to welcome most warmly the formation of the Congress of South African Trade Unions. We extend to its leaders, its affiliated unions and to the membership of those unions the revolutionary greetings of the ANC leadership...as those of our entire membership.” We congratulate the Congress on its historic 20th anniversary, convinced that it will continue a decisive role in the struggle to realise the objectives of the national democratic revolution.

Long live COSATU! Long live the Alliance!

World Aids Day

A nation caring for life

South Africa joined the rest of the global community in observing World Aids Day this week behind a theme that advocates unity, individual responsibility and care: A Nation Caring for Life.

In the build-up to this important day in the health calendar, there have been many reports which, in one way or another, have sought to assess the impact of the country´s response to HIV and AIDS.

Despite the substantial challenges being faced, the ANC can state with confidence that we are on the right track in addressing this challenge. South Africa has arguably the largest programme in the world in the form of the Comprehensive Plan for Management, Care and Treatment of HIV and AIDS.

The annual budget allocation for this programme has increased from R264 million in 2001 to R1.5 billion in 2005. This positive development was noted by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan in his latest report to the UN General Assembly Special Session on AIDS. In the report, he commends South Africa for tripling its resource allocation for HIV and AIDS progammes since the adoption of the UN Declaration of Commitment on HIV and AIDS in 2001.

This increase in resource allocation is also acknowledged in the World Health Organisation (WHO) progress report on the expansion of AIDS treatment, released in June this year, as being “by far the largest budget allocation of any low- or middle-income country’.

The Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS is based on the fact that there is still no cure for HIV and AIDS. Therefore, prevention remains the most critical intervention.

Most of the surveys indicate a very high level of awareness about HIV and AIDS among our people, ranging from 92-98%. This is a result of the HIV and AIDS awareness campaign which encourages abstinence, being faithful to one partner and condom use – the ‘ABC´ campaign.

The ‘ABC´ campaign encourages particularly young people to abstain and delay the onset of sexual activity until they are able to take responsible decisions about their sexuality. Those who decide to be involved in a sexual relationship are urged to be faithful to one partner.

As part of the prevention strategy, government provides free, high quality condoms tested by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). Male condom distribution increased from 270 million in 2003 to 346 million in 2004; and female condom distribution doubled from 1.3 to 2.6 million during the same period.

Abstinence and condom use also prevent the spread of other sexually transmitted infections, re-infection among those already infected, and unwanted pregnancies.

Also critical is the need for people to know their HIV status. Government has doubled the number of health facilities providing voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) from 1,500 in 2002/03 to 3,686 in 2004/05. The number of people using these services also increased two-fold from 691,000 in 2002/03 to 1.3 million in 2004/05. Knowing their HIV status enables a person to better manage their health.

There are many services that government provides to delay the progression from HIV infection to the development of AIDS defining illnesses and to maintain optimal health for people living with HIV and AIDS. Delaying this progression is the area where impact needs to be maximised.

People are encouraged to eat healthy and balanced diets with a lot of vegetables and fruits. Around R10 million has been allocated for provision of nutritional supplements and about 329,000 people have accessed this service since April 2004.

As part of this healthy lifestyle campaign, people are encouraged to stop smoking and avoid the abuse of alcohol and other substances, as these practices are detrimental to health. They are also encouraged to exercise regularly and participate in support groups and other support programmes.

All public health facilities are able to manage and treat opportunistic infections. Illnesses like tuberculosis (TB) are curable even in the presence of HIV and AIDS. What is critical is to support TB patients to complete their treatment.

The use of traditional medicines that are effective in alleviating symptoms associated with HIV and AIDS is supported. These medicines boost the immune system and therefore contribute to the wellness of those infected with HIV and who have full-blown AIDS. They are widely available, more affordable to all and most of them have a simple treatment regimen. The Department of Health is working together with the Medical Research Council and other institutions in further research and development of these medicines.

A total of 199 public health facilities have been accredited to provide antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. The accreditation process includes evaluation of the capacity of these facilities to render quality service and detect complications arising from side effects associated with antiretroviral drugs.

The accredited facilities are spread across the country´s 53 districts and cover at least 62% of local municipalities. About 85,000 people had been initiated on ARV treatment in the public health sector by September 2005. More than R3,4 billion has been allocated for procurement of antiretroviral drugs for the period to the end of 2007. While significant progress has been made, there are still some challenges which require the collective efforts of all South Africans to address.

While more and more people are now open about HIV and AIDS, the problem of stigma still has a negative impact on the uptake and the impact of some of our programmes. Hence it is very critical to emphasise the theme for this year: A Nation caring for life. We all have to demonstrate that we care and work to end stigma and discrimination.

There are also a number of health systems issues that have to be addressed as part of government´s endeavour to implement the Comprehensive Plan for HIV and AIDS with vigour and respond adequately to the complex burden of diseases facing the country. This includes the serious challenge of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancers and cardiovascular diseases, as well as cases of trauma and violence.

We have to address the shortage and uneven distribution of certain health professionals in the country. The department is finding innovative ways to address the issue of human resources for health, including the development of the mid-level health worker category which includes medical, pharmacist and nursing assistants. The Human Resource Plan for Health is also being finalised to provide a framework for interventions aimed at increased supply and equitable distribution of health personnel.

More than 7,600 health professionals have already been trained in management, care and treatment of HIV and AIDS, and more than 61,000 community care givers are working in our communities providing support for those in need.

Our success in responding to HIV and AIDS is dependent on the inter-sectoral collaboration and efforts of each and every individual to take care of their health by adopting safe sexual behaviour. Young people are beginning to heed this call and the prevalence of HIV has not increased among people under the age of 20 years for more than five years now.

The challenge is to find appropriate interventions to address high prevalence among those between 20-30 years. As poverty and underdevelopment remains the main factor that exposes our people to disease, there is a need to intensify interventions aimed at improving the socio-economic status of women, people in informal settlements and other vulnerable groups.

We need to ensure that women have a right to take decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. They have a right to decide when they want to become pregnant. If they have unwanted pregnancies, they should be able to access termination of pregnancy services. We need to intensify research into microbicides which should empower women to protect themselves from HIV infection without necessarily having to get consent from the partner.

The programme to reduce the risk of mother to child transmission of HIV is available in more than 90% of our facilities. While exclusive breastfeeding for six months is critical for the proper growth of the baby, women should be supported in the infant feeding options they take. Babies should fully immunised and assessed at 18-24 months to establish the impact of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission programme.

Government has declared 2006 as ‘The year of accelerated HIV and AIDS prevention´ and will be intensifying communication and behaviour change messages, and interventions to target particularly those groups that still pose a challenge in terms of prevalence of HIV.

While reviewing the strategic plan, government will be looking at how to strengthen messages in the ABC campaign and ensure they are targeted at appropriate groups.

All South Africans are urged to support the accelerated prevention campaign and lend a hand in building the partnership for vigorous implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Management, Care and Treatment of HIV and AIDS. It is only through active and meaningful partnerships that we can effectively address the challenges posed by HIV and AIDS.

More Information:

• Department of Health
• Khomanani website

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