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News and Publicity - Press Statement: [Press]African musicians' conference COSATU Communications Department - 2003-11-25 |
Statement by the Musicians Union of South Africa South Africa to host African musicians=92 conference South Africa will once again be in the world spotlight when the Musicians Union of South Africa (MUSA) hosts the African International Musicians Conference, under the auspices of the International Federation of Musicians (FIM). It is to take place at the Ritz Hotel in Cape Town from 10-16 December 2003. Its central purpose is to examine the working conditions of musicians in Africa and design and develop social protection mechanisms for musicians. FIM and its affiliates believe that many musicians in Africa work in precarious conditions and enjoy no job security. This state of affairs is worsened by the non-existence of legal protection, and the lack of written agreements or contracts. The conference will also focus on issues of health and safety and the establishment of musicians=92 co-operatives. These important discussions will be facilitated by UNESCO and the International Labour Organisation, whose Code of Practice on HIV/Aids is expected to inspire robust debate among delegates. The conference will give South African musicians and their representatives the opportunity to interact and share diverse experiences with their international counterparts. It will be attended by delegates from 20 countries of Africa, Europe, America and Asia, together with representatives of South African government, trade union, business and arts and culture organisations. The Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, Dr Ben Ngubane, is expected to deliver a keynote address to the conference. Other important personalities to attend will include Thomas Dayan, FIM General Secretary, Romeo Dika, Secretary of the FIM=92s Africa Committee, Zwelinzima Vavi, COSATU General Secretary, and Nomaindia Mfeketo, Executive Mayor of Cape Town. For further information, please contact Basil Dube on 01 339 1717 or 073 392 8362. Note to labour reporters: Please also forward this notice to your arts and culture desks and Cape Town offices. Patrick Craven Acting COSATU Spokesperson patrick@cosatu.org.za 082-821-7456 339-4911 ********************************************************* Visit the COSATU web site at http://www.cosatu.org.za/press/latest.html fo= r copies of our most recent press statements. Get free e-mail for union members. Visit www.union.org.za and sign up now= ! It's free! COSATU takes steps to ensure that any attachments are free from viruses. You should, however, carry out your own virus check before opening any attachment. COSATU accepts no liability for loss or damage caused by software viruses. ***********************************************************
