Weather fails to dampen May Day spirit!Doris Nqetho

Although it was raining, workers and community members came in numbers to celebrate workers' day on May 1.After singing the national anthem there was a moment of silence to honour those workers and leaders who had passed away since the previous year.

The programme director Mrs Khanyase described Workers' Day as one that was celebrated in other countries. In South Africa celebrations and stayaways were not allowed and regarded as breaking the law. “It's a pity,” she said, “that we fought, many workers died, we won but still people like to go to work for double pay.”“It is the task of everyone after this gathering to let workers understand this day,” Khanyase said.

On behalf of the NEC, Nte Boyce welcomed all by being part of celebrating the gains and the role we played to free the working class.

We were also joined by John Maluleka of Cosatu, Nomvuzo Shabalala, deputy chairperson of SACP provincially and Zoleka Chapha to deliver messages on behalf of the ANC.The leadership collectively criticised our government for failing to do an analysis before increasing the price of food.

They thanked Satawu comrades for stopping the ship carrying weapons to kill our fellow brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe.They also encouraged workers to show their solidarity with Zimbabwe by marching and demonstrating.

Cosatu declared holidays non-working days but employers are still eroding our historic days by forcing us to work on holidays. Some don't even pay double.

Exploitation and oppression are still alive, women are giving birth at the workplace, there is no maternity leave.Zoleka Chapha of the ANC said she has learnt a lot on challenges affecting the working class and also about Zuma and Mantashe developments.

She went on saying before 1994, “I was one of those who struggled whereby many died,” but today people don't want us to praise those who sold their lives and died to liberate South Africa.She appreciated those who attended the ANC Polokwane Conference for keeping the mandate.

On January 8 she said it was the first time for her to see the first speech drafted by the President of the ANC.Lastly she congratulated all those who attended. “There is no president but Zuma, when the case resumes let us look forward".W Aroun

International children's dayDoris Nqetho

KZN premier S'busiso Ndebele celebrated International Children's Day with hundreds of children from all over KZN at the Port Shepstone borough grounds on June 1 2008.

Ndebele greatly regretted the effect that the 'barbaric' acts of xenophobia had had on children.He said that it was unacceptable that children had fallen victim to xenophobic attacks.

The government recognised that foreign children living in this country had to be afforded the same rights and protection as those who were born here and the Children's Act would help achieve this,” said Ndebele.

He also said that the government had taken drastic steps to ensure that the perpetrators of these attacks on our brothers and sisters from outside South Africa are brought to book.Ugu district speaker, Ravi Pillay, encouraged young people to get serious about their lives and not involve themselves in so-called 'cool acts'.

Although the premier was accompanied by various ministers of his Cabinet including Peggy Nkonyeni, Minister of Health, Ina Cronje of education and many more, they didn't have to do anything on that day.

Instead 11 children from various schools including S'nenhlanhla Shangase from Port Shepstone High School were 'ministers of the day'.Before arriving at the event at Port Shepstone, Ndebele had presided over a donation of ten houses to families headed by children in Scottburgh.

The Ngcobo sisters Nonkululeko and S'lindile had to leave school after their HIV mother died, to look after two younger brothers, 12 year old Sbusiso, seven year old Kwanele as well as S'lindile's two children.

The family lived in a small mud house which was crumbling. In addition to the house the Ngcobo sisters received food and garden utensils.The day was enjoyed by all, especially the children, they were the VVIPs of the day.

Numsa celebrates International Children's Day in HlangananiPinky Ramokoka

Numsa's Hlanganani region takes International Children's Day, June 1, very seriously.All locals from Hlanganani were represented except for Madibeng which had its own celebration.From Rustenburg local we took 30 children from Iteko Special School in Tlhabane and their three educators.

We also had a Cosatu North West deployee, Gladys from Samwu and seven gender representatives and four kids.Bevcan, Lear Corporation and August Laepple from Rosslyn local donated soft drinks, snacks and sweets for the day.

Babelegi brought 30 children and five adults from Tshwaraganang Community Orphanage in Themba.

We met up at the Pretoria Zoo. The children were so excited. Many of them had never been to the zoo before.While we were talking we noticed that there were children who are being abused by their parents.

One 16-year old girl had been sent by her mother to sell her body so that they could buy food. Most of the men she slept with abused her and now she is HIV positive.Let's love and care for our children.

They are our Rainbow Nation, our future presidents. They need our love. Let's not abuse them!

Source

Numsa News