By Sibongiseni Maphumulo
As a final push to garner support for the ANC ahead of the 2024 general elections, provincial and regional leaders of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the ANC, gathered in Makhanda at the weekend.
Cosatu’s provincial secretary, Mkhawuleli “Gurah” Maleki and ANC Sarah Baartman regional treasurer, Athi Diniso mobilised support for the ruling party at the Makana Municipality Town Hall. There was a palpable sense of solidarity and determination among attendees. Workers from various sectors voiced their concerns and aspirations, finding reassurance in Cosatu’s commitment to fighting for their rights. The speeches were met with enthusiastic applause, reflecting the community’s support for the trade union federation’s initiatives and the ANC’s promises of renewal.
Addressing a robust gathering of workers and supporters, Maleki articulated Cosatu’s commitment to advocating for a living wage, underscoring the necessity of elevating the minimum wage to a level that ensures a decent standard of living for all employees. “Cosatu is steadfast in its pursuit of a living wage. The minimum wage must be a stepping stone to achieving this, allowing workers to afford a dignified life,” Maleki stated in an interview with Grocotts’ Mail.
Maleki’s speech also touched on the broader political landscape, particularly the organisation’s strategic alliance with the ANC. Maleki reaffirmed Cosatu’s support for the party, urging the public to vote for it in the upcoming elections. “We believe in the ANC’s vision and its commitment to social justice and economic transformation,” he said. “The ANC is in a process of renewal, striving to cleanse itself and address the issues that have plagued it in the past.”
Athi Diniso, representing the ANC, echoed Maleki’s sentiments and highlighted the collaborative efforts between the two alliance partners to improve workers’ conditions. Diniso praised Cosatu for its steadfast dedication to workers’ rights and its role in advocating for better wages and working conditions. “The ANC values its partnership with Cosatu and recognises the critical role of the labour movement in shaping a just and equitable society,” Diniso remarked.
The event in Makhanda highlighted the Cosatu’s commitment to workers’ rights and its strategic alliance with the ANC. With passionate speeches from leaders like Maleki and Diniso, the event reinforced the importance of voting and the collective effort needed to secure a better future for all workers.
Maleki concluded his address with a call to action, urging everyone present to participate in the democratic process. “Your vote is your voice,” he declared. “We need to come together and give the ANC another chance to move our country forward. Let’s work towards a future where every worker can live with dignity and security.”
With the momentum from the rally, Cosatu and the ANC are hopeful their combined efforts will translate into significant voter turnout and electoral success, propelling their shared vision of social and economic justice forward.
As election day approaches, Cosatu’s final push in Makhanda is seen as a critical effort to ensure that workers’ voices are heard at the polls. The event was not just a call to action but a reaffirmation of the enduring bond between the two, both striving for a common goal – the upliftment of South Africa’s working class.
