MINISTER in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says Workers’ Day, commemorated on Monday, is in recognition of the pivotal role workers play in building the economy and society envisaged in the National Development Plan.
South Africa marks Workers’ Day on Monday, May 1.
Workers’ Day has been officially recognised and observed since the first democratic elections in 1994.
The holiday serves as both a celebration of workers’ rights and as a reminder of the critical role that trade unions, the Communist Party and other labour organisations played in the fight against Apartheid.
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“Workers’ Day allows us to reflect on the gains workers have secured during 29 years of freedom and to identify the challenges workers face in a constrained economy.
“It is also a day for us to recommit ourselves to doing all we can to create opportunities for the millions of South African workers who are unemployed and are unable to exercise their skills or to provide for themselves and those around them,” said the minister.
Ntshavheni was briefing media in Pretoria on Friday, following this week’s Cabinet meeting.
Ntshavheni said the government’s commitment to improving workplace conditions and equity in the labour market is reflected in significant amendments to the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act and Employment Equity Act which were recently signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
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