POPCRU adjures the ANC to desist from disrespect for the workers of this country!
POPCRU has noted the media speculation that the ANC intents to charge the worker leader within the Trade Union Movement of Elijah Barayi, Vuyisile Mini and Leslie Massina. We view this as an attempt to travel on a narrow path of instilling fear in all vociferous challenges against narrow tendencies of undermining the Trade Unions.
We recall the address by the former Deputy President of the ANC and currently the President of the country and the ANC, Cde Zuma on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the execution of Vuyisile Mini and the five others at Port Elizabeth in Nov 2004. He said "There is a tendency today to forget this important lesson of our history and to take things for granted. We dare not forget. Freedom came at the highest price. Therefore, when we remember and honour our comrades today, we need to look at how we can further deepen the relationship of the ANC and the trade union movement, a relationship built on the blood and sweat of workers".
It is disingenuous of the ANC to have room for such intentions and forget the hardships, sacrifices and selflessness that the workers of this country have built a strong ANC that is about to celebrate its centenary in the coming two years. We must remember that while it is true that the ANC is a broad church which accommodates all classes, it still has a working class bias. That is the most fundamental and key characteristic of our liberation movement that needs to be protected and defended at all times.
POPCRU joins the millions of COSATU membership and the society at large to consolidate a struggle to condemn any form of crass materialism, corruption and capitalist greed from any person irrespective of the position they hold in society. A charge against Cde Zwelinzima Vavi is non starter in our lifetime. Hands-off our General Secretary because he has not done anything wrong!
Statement issued by Norman Mampane, POPCRU national spokesperson, June 3 2010
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