CWUSA Business Breakfast 06- 23 - 06

To the Media

In line with COSATU's pPolicy of One Sector One Union, two like-minded unions - the Performing Arts Workers Equity (PAWE) and Musicians Union of South Africa (MUSA) - have merged to consolidate the voice of the Arts Fratenity in our land.

The newly merged entity will be known in future as the Creative Workers Union of South Africa (CWUSA) a COSATU affilliate.

The immediate and urgent challenges that confront CWUSA amongst others are that of pushing for the regulation of the industry, establishment of the Creatve Industry Charter, Sectoral Determination discussions with the Labour Ministry (which have commenced) and the implementation of a holistic Social Security Plan for the Arts Practitioners and a host of others.

In response to the above,the CWUSA is currently at an advance stage of the holistic Social Security Implementation, which will be including in the near future the establishment of the Seriti Social Security Trust. The CWUSA's engagement on this subject with corporate citizens like the Thebe Financial Services and the SABC have resulted in the launch on 21 April 2006 of the Seriti Social Security Plan which will operate through the acquisition of a Bank Card for all CWUSA members at affordable rates, taking into account the seasonal nature of our industry, the Card is designed to attract all creative people.

The sustainability of the Seriti Social Security Trust has led to the Union organising a Business Breakfast in partnership with Old Mutual, purpose being to expose and present the scheme to potential corporate backers, hence the invitation to the Media.

Seriti Social Security Plan has been embraced by both the National Minister of Arts and Culture Dr Pallo Jordan and SABC's Group Chief Executive Adv Dali Mpofu. They have both indicated the willingness through their institutions to support this worthy cause, as per the dictates of relevant proceedures and processes that govern their respective responsibilities towards the Arts.

Attached do receive and respond to an invitation and kindly note that the RSVP is extendend to 28 June 2006, it would be appreciated to have you or your colleague on the day to be a witness when the Arts Practitioners themselves take charge of their own destiny

"WE DECLAIRE THAT NEVER AGAIN SHALL WE PASS ON IN POVERTY-STRICKEN CIRCUMSTANCES."

Regards

Mabutho 'Kid' Sithole Oupa Lebogo

President - CWUSA General Secretary - CWUSA

083 699 2113 083 671 7022