17 July 2003
During a Bilateral Meeting held in Johannesburg today, the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the trade union movement, Solidarity, discussed strategies for stimulating growth and development in South Africa. The workshop focused on the mobilisation of workers’ capital and power, the challenges of globalisation, economic empowerment and the issue of affirmative action. One of the most important focal points of the discussion was the idea of a workers’ pact, in terms of which socio-economic issues concerning workers in South Africa could be addressed. This pact would provide the labour movement with the opportunity to work on strategies for growth and development in favour of workers and the poor.
The parties noted that the purchasing power of members of existing trade unions in South Africa currently amounts to approximately R130 billion per annum. If workers are able to succeed in mobilising their own capital, they will be able to gain control over their own empowerment.
The SACP and Solidarity acknowledged that the two organisations are different and independent given their backgrounds, and programmes in general. In this context the SACP and Solidarity agreed to focus their dialogue and inter-action on points of s of common interest, which would be beneficial to growth and development in South Africa.
Harnessing the financial muscle of workers
Both organisations expressed their concern about the effects of globalisation and economic restructuring on the workers and the poor. The idea of the workers’ pact is to address the negative effect of globalisation. The two organisations criticised the one-sided control and investment of workers’ funds by financial institutions. The workers’ pact could address this by enabling workers to control their own funds. Particular attention must be focused on pension and provident funds, as well as insurance investments. The pact must also concentrate on the mobilisation of the purchasing power of workers in South Africa.
Affirmative Action
Solidarity tabled problems concerning the implementation of affirmative action were also on the table during the workshop. Solidarity expressed its concern regarding the effect of affirmative action in respect of the alienation of white workers in South Africa. The trade union proposed an equality accord with the governing alliance, in order to restrict the negative consequences of affirmative action.
In response, the SACP reiterated its active support for Affirmative Action as a measure to redress past imbalances and representivity in South Africa’s workforce. In the view of the SACP, affirmative action is not aimed at excluding whites but to equitably harness the talents of all South Africans. The parties agreed to continue dialogue and exchange on this matter.
Way Forward
The Bilateral established several working groups to jointly investigate issues surrounding globalisation, mobilisation of workers’ capital, affirmative action and empowerment. Follow-up discussions will be held during 2003 during which the findings and recommendations of the working groups will be discussed and taken forward.
The parties also signed a Declaration of Intent (see attachment).
Issued by the SACP and Solidarity, 17 July 2003
CONTACT
Dirk Herman – Solidarity Spokesperson
Mobile – 082 461 8485
E-mail – dirk@solidariteit.co.za
Mazibuko K. Jara – SACP Spokesperson
Mobile – 072 275 4723
E-mail – mazibuko@sacp.org.za