SA Minister launches Mandela Fashion Award for designers

13 Dec '13

4 min read

He spoke of the meeting between Sactwu and Madiba a few weeks after his release from Victor Verster prison in 1990 when the union, which had the largest membership in violence-torn KZN, called for his support to end the bitter conflict in the province.

Madiba subsequently made his famous 'throw your weapons into the sea' speech at a rally in KZN which laid the foundation for the subsequent National Peace Accord and stability in the province.

The meeting heard of efforts by Madiba to improve union-business relations and foster a partnership at the workplace to promote job creation and economic development, which he regarded as critical priorities that was necessary to strengthen and protect the new democracy.

Recent successes by government on infrastructure are a continuation of the road opened during the Mandela presidency. These include what is now the country's largest infrastructure investment programme to build schools and universities, dams and rail lines, roads and ports as well as clinics and hospitals. It was, said Minister Patel, the most fitting tribute to Madiba's life and work.

The memorial gathering was marked by songs on the life of Madiba, as Afrikaans and Xhosa speaking workers stood patiently in the sun during the open air gathering at the country's largest clothing factory.

South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union (SACTWU)

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