ANC statement on May Day rallies held 1 May 2017
2 May 2017
Yesterday, workers across the world celebrated and commemorated International Workers Day, paying homage to the struggles, sacrifices and achievements of workers.
In South Africa, workers organized under the progressive banner of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) came out in their overwhelming numbers - with their successful mobilization surpassing those in recent years - calling for the creation of decent work, the defense of existing jobs and the expansion of the comprehensive social security net to the working class.
With one voice, workers sought to defend and reclaim their rights; hard won over many years of struggle working together with the Revolutionary Alliance led by the African National Congress.
Throughout the country, the May Day celebrations were observed in a generally peaceful manner, heeding the call for unity and to desist from factional and divisive practices and tendencies.