The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) hails the powerful United Democratic Front (UDF), a force formed 42 years ago. Launched on the 20 August 1983, the UDF brought together South Africans of different races from all walks of life, and hundreds of organisations including trade unions, student unions, and civic organisations, with the solemn goal of resisting apartheid, an achievement that paved the way for democratic emancipation.

The strength of the organisation was rooted in a united front, guided by the principles of non-racialism and inclusivity. Speaking with the same voice, the participants vigorously mobilised through boycotts, mass campaigns, protests and the Million Signature Campaign, a collection of declarations from the public.

It is due to these efforts and other historic movements that the country was freed from the ruthless jaws of an oppression-driven political system. Today, South Africa can celebrate a myriad of gains that emanated from the UDF. The county’s Constitution affords all citizens a guaranteed promise to human dignity in the form of rights to service delivery, healthcare, education and fundamental freedoms as envisioned in by Freedom Charter.

If the country is to fully celebrate the resistance displayed by the UDF, it should tackle the high levels of unemployment, corruption, dysfunctional municipalities and social ills engulfing our communities. With almost half of the population seeking jobs, people remain imprisoned in poverty.

COSATU looks forward to the reconfiguration of embattled municipalities failing to deliver. Communities bear the brunt of mismanagement resulting in the inefficient distribution of basic services. Such conditions are opposite to the objective of what the UDF stood for.

Issued by COSATU

Zanele Sabela (COSATU National Spokesperson)

Mobile: 079 287 5788 or 077 600 6639

Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za