The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has commended the workers for their role in defending freedom, advancing democracy and championing the fight for their rights. The Premier was addressing workers at the May Day Commemoration at Curries Fountain in Durban today.
"Today, there would be no freedom to celebrate if it were not for the struggle of the workers. Importantly, the betterment of the lives of our people finds expression in how the lives of the workers have improved over the years, and we are quite pleased with the strides we have made over the past 30 years of freedom," said the Premier.
The Premier added that the improvement of the lives of workers has occurred both socially and in the workplace. “Workers themselves led their own cause for decent jobs, rights in the workplace, social protection, living wages, equality and inclusion”
The Premier reminded workers that one of the outstanding victories for the working class, was the attainment of the minimum wage, which sets the floor below which no worker must be paid. “This is a safety net that brings dignity to every worker, be it a farm worker, a domestic worker, a mine worker. Although we still have a long way ahead in this regard, but government together with workers have set a baseline that no one should go below”
The Premier also thanked the workers for their role in the attainment of economic growth, and social equity through bargaining and participation in organized structures like NEDLAC and the shop floor.
The Premier also told workers that the better life for all, which was a rallying call at the beginning of the democratic dispensation in 1994 is being realized. She said South Africa is qualitatively better today, especially for the working class and the majority, than it was before the democratic breakthrough in 1994
Premier Dube-Ncube also implored workers to continue to be vigilant because there are many headwinds that are coming. “The advent of technology such as robotics and artificial intelligence means that as workers, we need to redefine the terrain of our struggle and adapt in a global environment that is constantly changing”
“In a world that is facing the crisis of the cost of living, which has eroded the purchasing power of the working class, the declining percent of workers’ share in the global income, workers cannot afford to lower their guard. Today we are here to thank you for your commitment to service delivery and to the cause of making South Africa a better place for all” concluded the Premier
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For more information contact Head of Provincial Government Communication Bongi Gwala on 072 793 4757 or Joseph Cubai Acting Media Liaison Officer on 061 421 5853
Issued by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government