COSATU Free State to oversee a tree planting ceremony in preparation for the 20th Anniversary of the Sol Plaatjie bus disaster

The Congress of South African Trade Unions in the Free State has commenced preparations to host the COSATU 2023 Workers Day national event. The event will be hosted on the banks of Sol Plaatjie Dam in Bethlehem. Not only will the day highlight the plight of workers, it will also commemorate the death of 51 workers who lost their lives in a bus crash on their way to the 2003 Workers Day celebrations in Qwaqwa.

With the assistance from the Dihlabeng Municipality who are the custodians of the dam, a tree planting ceremony will be held on 16 September 2022 to prepare for the day. Olive trees will be planted due to their historical significance both culturally and religiously. Fifty-one (51) trees will be planted and named after each worker who lost their life in the tragedy.

As the Federation in the province, we will continue to do our best to keep the memory of those comrades alive whilst we do our utmost best to heighten the political significance of Workers Day amongst workers and the working class. It is important that workers understand and accept the fact that as workers and members of the working class, we are on our own as we confront the full might of global monopoly.

It was in pursuance of advancing the struggle of workers, that those 51 workers met their untimely and gruesome passing! We owe it to them and most importantly, our future generations, to fully comprehend our role within the current epoch of our struggle. We will participate in this project as with many others, for the recognition of workers.

The struggle continues!

Issued by COSATU Free State

Enquiries Provincial Secretary Monyatso oa Mahlatsi @ 051 447 5499 or 076 115 9923