Workers Tribune

Nactu, the second largest trade union federation with a membership of more than 500 000 workers from across various sectors, publishes this month its new baby. Workers Tribune, a monthly magazine that will communicate the federation's message to its members and other interested parties. It was not by accident that the birth of this important publication should coincide with May Day. For Nactu, May Day is the embodiment of workers' and peoples' struggles that has culminated in the freedom that South Africa enjoys today. We also know that these struggles occurred in an unfriendly, and often hostile environment, with many of the liberation heroes and heroines laying down their lives for the love of freedom and justice. We now enjoy democracy and freedom, and we must work hard at preserving it. We must always be mindful that it is easy to abuse freedom, and so we must strenuously be on the lookout for tendencies that seek to undermine freedom. We may have a new political order in our country, but there can be no question that the working class is still facing new challenges against capital, even black bosses. We still live in an environment that creates tensions between the working class and the bosses. We still have thousands of our comrades who have been retrenched because of the desire by bosses to realise big profits. And so, the struggle for workers' complete emancipation from tyranny is far from over. All bosses, including some we shared pain and abuse in the apartheid trenches, are capable of reverting to old ways. We must not forget that, like the erstwhile bosses of the apartheid era, they operate within an environment that is determined from outside,, and so they have to play the game according to pre-determined rules. The emergence of turncoats is on the increase. And for reasons I have alluded to, that should not surprise us. The trade union movement should increasingly prepare itself for other battles. But we should also empower ourselves with knowledge, so that when we dialogue with the bosses we raise compelling arguments. Slogans qlone do not work. We need to develop intellect as well. And so in this issue, Comrade Cunningham Ngcukana begins the process of teaching, and mental empowerment. He helps his readers to have a better understanding of what globalisation is all about, explaining that it is more profitable for unions to have profound appreciation of the workings of this system if they have to use it to their advantage. Ngcukana also writes about May Day. He tells us about the origins of this day. It is history we need because it is both informative and inspiring. A fine and commendable work by the general secretary of Nactu. There is also an article on gender equality in the workplace. Brenda Modise wrote it for us, and do read and enjoy it. To break the heaviness of the magazine, we also run a variety of pictures that seek to introduce to readers some of Nactu's leaders. We believe that it is important that you know your leaders in the trade union movement. Most importantly, however, we want to create a dialogue between ourselves and readers. Do, therefore, send us letters, commenting on various issues raised in this number. We hope to be of service to you. Do have a nice read