The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) stands with millions of South Africans in recognising the attainment of the country’s hard-earned democracy on this Human Rights Day. Today serves as a reminder of the blood that was shed in Sharpeville and KwaLanga in 1960, in opposition of a vile system of racial segregation.

As the country reflects on the tumultuous and painful journey towards freedom and its realisation, the commemoration of days such as these should be an opportunity to not only celebrate the colossal gains achieved over the years, it should also lay bare, true introspection on the harsh realities facing many at the hands of shortcomings that could be remedied.

The nation has come extremely far, guided by the Constitution that has been hailed as one of the most progressive in the world. The document provides a fundamental promise to right to life, equality and human dignity.  Decades of collective deliberations shaped by constitutional processes have paved the way for laws that restore human dignity stripped away by the previous regime. 

Today, billions of Rands are allocated towards social grants for the destitute. Initiatives such as the National School Nutrition Programme benefit masses of learners by combating hunger to improve their learning, attendance and development. Vast redress policies and legislation play a significant role in the reduction of poverty and in the protection of vulnerable persons.

The country can boldly take pride in an array of victories achieved through strategic policy development aimed at the provision of essential services. But it is a bittersweet celebration when communities endure water supply disruptions, high crime levels and unemployment.

The road to the advancement of workers was worth every measure of resistance. Employers are compelled by the Employment Equity, National Minimum Wage and Basic Conditions of Employment Acts to respect their hard-won rights to dignity. Whilst the relationship between the workforce and the employer is regulated, threats of retrenchments and the constant attack on collective bargaining remain on the horizon.

This Human Rights Day, COSATU reiterates the urgent reinvestment into the commitment to the restoration of human dignity by capacitating the state, improving delipidating infrastructure that robs citizens of water, stimulating tangible economic growth to beyond 3% which is crucial to generate a meaningful fall in our stubbornly high unemployment rate of 41.1%. 

Once the economy performs at a required level, jobless graduates will rise to the occasion of rebuilding, government facilities will operate optimally and be boundless in the ability to address human rights deficiencies. 

Issued by COSATU

Nonzuzo Dlamini (Communication Officer)

Mobile: 066 194 3619

Email: nonzuzo@cosatu.org.za