News
Our members make us a Union of worth (From the President)
6 months ago
Any idea that a trade union is a dingy office stuck away in some industrial area is far from the truth. A trade union of worth, such as Hospersa, is a dynamic, living organisation that is a reflection of its member base and as such can be measured by the quality of the members that it has. While Hospersa values all its members equally there will always be some cadres who are willing to go the extra mile and by doing so, give us as organisation that little edge that makes us special. Lesogo Mary Malete is one such individual whose unremitting commitment to working people has touched both organisation and individual and whose extraordinary sacrifice has made Hospersa special. While her story is reported elsewhere in this issue, I mention it here in order to place her value in context. As part of the Hospersa leadership that forced transformation and change within our organisation, her successes in this regard fuelled the fires of democracy that burned within her and led her further afield. For the last nine years the Comrade, as elected President of our federation Fedusa, led that erstwhile body along its destined path to become the only real labour federation that can truly stand as an alternative to Cosatu. But Mary Malete will always be Hospersa, she will always be ours. While she has retired she is certainly still active and one can’t imagine this stalwart of the labour movement without work – there is too much that still needs doing. We wish her well in her future endeavours and salute her wonderful commitment that stands as a torch that bears light for those that follow. Another Hospersa member that has made us proud and indeed special is Sr. Nomkhangiso Violet Jezile, Hospersa member and worker at Cuyler Hospital in the Eastern Cape Province. This Comrade whose groundbreaking work in bringing breast milk to underprivileged babies has also not gone unnoticed by significant others. Nominated and second runner up for the prestigious HASA Awards she was also recognized for her achievements at Netcare and won a Chairman’s award at their ‘Night of the Stars’ ceremony. But Violet’s real achievement is the reason for her recognition; her community minded spirit that has benefitted those who are less fortunate and who, without her intervention, would have less even still. Her story is also reported in this issue. Both female and both Black these two fine Hospersarians stand as Trojans amongst us and light the way ahead for us all. Breaking from the shackles of stereotype and prejudice, they show us that with single minded determination and a rational sense of duty, anything is possible; without complaint or rancor they simply went ahead and did it! On behalf of all, I salute you ladies and thank you for making us special; a true organisation of worth. I will rest easier at night knowing that you are still amongst us and have no doubt that your fine example will ensure that a steady stream of achievers will follow and, because of this, as organisation we will always be special.
http://www.hospersa.co.za/gallery/press/Godfrey.djhtml
MG Selematsela, Hospersa President