The ANC prides itself on its track record of aligning itself with workers and their trade unions since its inception. This can be seen from our relationship with the ICU, Sactu and Cosatu. It was with this in mind that we greeted the launch of Cosatu. Even then we were convinced of the immense contribution that workers, united in a progressive federation, could make.
Since its launch, Cosatu has taken up workers' struggles inside and outside of the workplace. Indeed, together with the revolutionary underground structures and the UDF, Cosatu contributed immensely to the struggle for liberation. That struggle brought about the unbanning of political organisations, the release of political prisoners, the successful conclusion of the negotiations process and the present dispensation in which the ANC stands at the helm.
When Codesa 1 deadlocked, you stood together with us in forcing the regime to change its stand. We campaigned together for a victory in the elections. Our victory is your victory. For it to succeed, you will need to defend it.
The key challenge we all face is how to transform our country into an economic democracy. Together we must mobilise for a proper implementation of the RDP in which we strike a balance between speedy delivery on the one hand and consultation and participation on the other.
As you celebrate 10 years of existence, you need to look at what weaknesses and gains you have made. While building on the gains, you should also learn from the mistakes committed.
You will also need to constantly define relations with the ANC-led government in order to maximise our success. As the ANC, we stand ready to ensure the effective working of the alliance. A few months ago, we agreed to co-ordinate effectively on strategy to bring change to our people - in the field of education, health, economic growth, investments, training and skills development of workers, closing the apartheid wage gap, gender equality, workers rights, a safe working environment, etc. All of us have a duty to ensure that we create enough jobs to alleviate unemployment, hunger and poverty.
The next decade will be even more challenging than the past one. It is my wish and that of the ANC that you rise to the challenge. Together we can transform our country into a fledgling democracy, an economic hub and a safe place in which to live and work.
With admiration and pride, the SACP salutes Cosatu's 1.6 million members. Comrades, you have built a giant. You have organised workers in factories, mines, shops, farms and kitchens throughout our country. As the fastest growing federation in the world, you have inspired working people in all continents of the globe.
Cosatu was launched 10 years ago out of the unity of Fosatu and other progressive unions. The launch marked the consolidation of the strategy that connects work-place democracy with the broader national liberation struggle. This is the tradition we must now carry forward.
In affirming the broad perspectives of the Freedom Charter, and now of the RDP, Cosatu has always, and without apology, proclaimed its commitment to socialism.
In adopting these positions, Cosatu has built and developed unbroken traditions of militant working class struggle in our country. These traditions go back through Fosatu, Sactu and CNETU to the ICU, and to the very beginnings of this century.
The SACP is proud to record the often central role that South African communists, prominent leaders and ordinary branch members - men and women - have played in building militant trade unions.
In celebrating 10 years of the giant called Cosatu, let us re-dedicate ourselves to some basic truths:
Socialism is the future, build it now!