Workers' Day: A Tribute to the Workers who fought for Freedom
A Tribute to the Workers who fought for Freedom
Workers' Day became a public holiday in South Africa in 1994 to officially recognise and honour the struggles and contributions of workers who were central to the fight against apartheid and economic injustice.
Why was the 1st of May named as Workers' Day and Why did it become a public holiday in South Africa?
- To Recognise the Labour Movement's Role in the Anti-Apartheid Struggle:
Trade unions played a vital role in challenging apartheid laws and mobilising mass resistance.
Groups like COSATU (Congress of South Africa Trade Unions) not only fought for better wages and working conditions, but also aligned with anti-apartheid political movements.
- International Solidarity:
The 1st of May is recognised as International Workers' Day, and it is celebrated globally to honour the labour movements
Post-apartheid South Africa adopted it in solidarity with the global labour community and to join the international working-class movement.
- Symbol of the New Democratic Order
After the first democratic elections in 1994, the new government led by the ANC (African National Congress) wanted to acknowledge the sacrifices of workers and their role in building a new society.
Declaring Workers' Day a public holiday was part of the broader efforts to reclaim national holidays and give them deeper, inclusive meaning.
*Information researched and compiled from:
South African Government website
Department of Employment and Labour
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