The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) wishes its militant Affiliate, the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) a successful 13th National Congress.
NEHAWU is set to hold its Congress from today to 29 June at the Birchwood Hotel & Conference Centre in Boksburg. More than 750 delegates will gather under the revolutionary theme, “Advance Workplace Organisation to Defend Collective Bargaining, Heighten Class Consciousness and Advance Internationalism.”
Messages of support are anticipated from alliance partners: the African National Congress, South African Communist Party, as well as the World Federation of Trade Unions and Trade Union International Public Service & Allied.
The Congress will assess the implementation of the resolutions made at the previous meeting and set a direction for the next five years. The 13th Congress takes place at a tumultuous time of dangerously high unemployment, stagnant economic growth, ingrained poverty and inequality.
South Africa is also in the grips of unceasing anti-migrant protests. As one of the biggest unions organising the public service, NEHAWU has consistently cautioned government against of its obsession with austerity and its insistence on cutting the public service to the bone. The consequences the trade union has been warning about are now clear for all to see as the departments responsible for implementing the country’s migration policies are grossly understaffed. Home Affairs is operating at 40% of its capacity, while the Border Management Authority only has 25% of the staff it requires, and the shortage of police personnel is well-known.
Addressing uneven development within the region and on the continent will likely be deliberated on as part of Advancing Internationalism. The bread-and-butter issues affecting workers including the escalating cost of living, defending and enhancing collective bargaining will feature prominently, as well as ensuring the effective absorption of Community Health Workers into the Department of Health following NEHAWU’s landmark legal victory. The full implementation of the National Health Insurance is a course close to NEHAWU’s heart.
The Federation wishes its mighty Affiliate, NEHAWU, rich deliberations, progressive resolutions and a successful 13th National Congress. COSATU pledges its unyielding support and is heartened by the consistent support it receives from NEHAWU.
Issued by COSATU
Zanele Sabela (COSATU Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za