Ramaphosa Praises COSATU's Enduring Fight for Workers' Rights: A Beacon of Hope Since 1985

SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila, COSATU President, Zingiswa Losi and President Cyril Ramaphosa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa lauded the Congress of the South African Trade Unions (COSATU) for its unwavering dedication to defending workers' rights since its inception in 1985. Addressing COSATU's main May Day rally in Middleburg, Mpumalanga, Ramaphosa acknowledged the trade union federation's pivotal role in shaping South Africa's history and its ongoing struggle for social justice.

Ramaphosa highlighted COSATU's founding moment, where the organization's first president, Elijah Barayi, boldly challenged the apartheid government to abolish the notorious dompass, a symbol of racial oppression. The Pass Laws act of 1952, which required black people to carry a passbook, was eventually repealed in 1986, marking a significant victory for the labor movement.

The President emphasized COSATU's continued relevance in the fight for workers' rights, citing its instrumental role in advocating for a living wage and the establishment of a minimum wage in the Freedom Charter. Ramaphosa assured workers that their rights would not be diminished and that COSATU would remain a powerful force in advancing their interests.

Ramaphosa acknowledged May Day as COSATU's day, expressing his desire to see the organization and its affiliates grow stronger. He reaffirmed COSATU's crucial role in protecting workers' rights and transforming society, saying, "Your struggle for a living wage must go on."

As the nation celebrates May Day, Ramaphosa's words serve as a testament to COSATU's enduring legacy and its unwavering commitment to social justice. With its rich history and continued advocacy, COSATU remains a beacon of hope for workers in South Africa.