Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
28 April 2024 | 07:45 CAT

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April marks a significant milestone in the South African labour movement. Seven years ago, on April 21st, 2017, the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) was born, heralding a new era of advocacy for workers’ rights.

One thousand five hundred delegates representing trade unions from the private and public sectors congregated in Boksburg to inaugurate SAFTU.

From its inception, SAFTU has been a beacon of independence, democracy and solidarity, striving to empower workers and challenge systemic injustices. 

Given the subjective weaknesses of the labour federations at the time, the birth of SAFTU marked the most important milestone in South Africa’s labour movement.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, Trevor Shaku, SAFTU National Spokesperson, underscores the key achievements that the federation has accomplished since its inception. 

“One of our major achievements in the last 7 years is, out unwavering support to the struggles of the Palestinian people where we have constantly shown support,” says Shaku

He added, “we have called on government hypocrisy in that it pronounces and has always pronounced to stand with the Palestinian people against apartheid Israel. However, has continuously maintained diplomatic and economic relations with the Israel regime.”

SAFTU, along with various society groups, has pressured and eventually proposed to parliament a position to suspend the consulate of Israel. 

South African lawmakers voted in favour of closing down the Israeli embassy in Pretoria and suspending all diplomatic relations until a ceasefire is agreed in its war with Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza.

“The launching congress adopted a set of principles that define the character of SAFTU. These principles included that the federation must be independent but not apolitical, be worker-controlled and democratic, espouse non-racialism and non-sexism, be internationalist and anti-imperialist in its world outlook, ensure militancy in fighting for the working class and the poor and build/show solidarity with all workers. Underwriting all other principles and ensuring that the federation successfully lived up to its ideals, was a principle of building effective organization and representation,” SAFTU stated.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.