Statement

The 5th of March marks the seventieth anniversary of the formation of the South African Congress of Trade Unions (SACTU). This year we will also be commemorating the seventieth anniversary of the Freedom Charter and the fortieth anniversary of the formation of COSATU.

COSATU and Veterans Leave have agreed to partner on this event, bringing together Veteran’s League members, including those who were part of SACTU with generations of former and current COSATU leaders. The event will receive a keynote address from Cde Sydney Mufamadi and reflect on the history and lessons from SACTU for the current situation, including worker struggles, unity, and the relationship between the labour movement and the state and the ANC.

Outline of Programme

10:00 Arrival and refreshments
10:15 Guided tour of Liliesleaf
11:30 Roundtable: Lessons and reflections on SACTU and the worker struggle
14:00 Lunch
15:00 Depart

Roundtable Programme

• Programme Directors: Cdes , Nelson Mokgotho, SAMWU President and COSATU CEC and Snuki Zikalala, ANC Veterans League President
• Opening remarks: Cde Zingiswa Losi, COSATU President
• Brief history of SACTU: Cde Thozamile Botha, former leader of Pebco, Macwusa and SACTU NEC member
• Keynote address: Lessons of SACTU for today: Cde Sydney Mufamadi, former COSATU Deputy Secretary, former ANC NEC member and former SACP CC member
• Reflections on the lesson of SACTU and issues facing trade unions and the working class today: Cde Bheki Ntshalintshali, former COSATU General Secretary, Cde Ronnie Kasrils, ANC VL, and Dr Connie September, former COSATU Deputy President
• Closing remarks: Cde Solly Phetoe, COSATU General Secretary
• Vote of thanks: Ilva Mackay Langa, Veterans League Secretary General