Newsletter 04

MAYNewsletter 04

1

Director's Note

May Day, also called Workers' Day; or International Workers' Day;
commemorates the historic struggles and gains made by workers
and the labour movement, observed in many countries on May,
1st. After ages of numerous interpretations and celebrations, May

Day at last appears to be entering obsolescence. But its ruins,
embedded in society, are still widely recognized, and the staging

of workers landscape festivals is still fundamental to the
cultivation of communities.

May Day was chosen as the date for International Workers' Day
by the socialists and communists of the Second International, as
well as anarchists, labour activists, and leftists in general around
the world, to commemorate the Haymarket affair in Chicago and

the struggle for an eight-hour working day.
In South Africa, Workers' Day celebrates the role played by Trade

Unions, labour movements, workers, activists in their various
communities as well as the Communist Party and in the struggle

against Apartheid. Following the first democratic elections in
South Africa in 1994, May 1st was inaugurated as an official

national public holiday.
It is a symbolic gesture to keep workers motivated in their fight

against slave wages, retrenchments, and inhumane working
conditions. Its purpose is to unite workers across ideological
spectrum to fight for freedom with one voice and achieve their

goals against a common enemy, capital.
Workers unite, you have nothing to lose but your chains!




Ntsilo Molumaele (Mr.)
DITSELA Exceutive Director

Social Media Response

It is with great pleasure that we
report the success of our social
media response! We are currently
solely on Facebook, and the
response has been fantastic! Our
Worker's Day post alone received
57 Likes, Comments, and Shares,
as well as 6 photo views and 69
post clicks. Within 10 days of
publication, our distribution was
2.8x higher than our other posts,
and the post generated 2.7x more
reactions. To date; (10th May
2022), we have reached 1131
persons through this very post. We
are truly proud of this milestone
and are exceedingly excited about
the positive feedback we have
received from the masses.

To remain up to date, follow us
on Facebook:

@DitselaBasebenzi

Danlep

During the month of May, we had
sit-ins for our DANLEP (Module 4)
classes, Advanced certificate(s) in
Occupational Health & Safety,
Research & Information
Management, and Climate
Change. These were held online
with a large turnout and covered
topics such as Occupational
Health and Safety as a
fundamental organising and
campaigning tool for Trade
Unions; Union Research and
Information Management;
Climate Change the Just
Transition: Implications for
Water; Argo-ecology and Food
Sovereignty. We'd like to express
our gratitude to all of the
students who diligently attended
these classes. (as well as to all our
partners who helped make these
classes possible). Proving that
Workers' education is once again
a priority in the resurgence of the
working class.

Mother's Day

A holiday in honour of mothers that is celebrated in countries throughout the
world. In its modern form the holiday originated in the United States, where it is
observed on the second Sunday in May. Many other countries also celebrate the
holiday on this date, while some mark the observance at other times of the year.
During the Middle Ages the custom developed of allowing those who had
moved away to visit their home parishes and their mothers on Laetare Sunday,
the fourth Sunday of Lent. This became Mothering Sunday in Britain, where it
continued into modern times, although it has largely been replaced by Mother’s
Day. Mother's Day is celebrated on Sunday, May 8, 2022.

Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, whose mother had
organized women’s groups to promote friendship
and health, originated Mother’s Day. On May 12,
1907, she held a memorial service at her late mother’s
church in Grafton, West Virginia. Within five years
virtually every state was observing the day, and in
1914 U.S. Pres. Woodrow Wilson made it a national
holiday. Although Jarvis had promoted the wearing
of a white carnation as a tribute to one’s mother, the
custom developed of wearing a red or pink carnation
to represent a living mother or a white carnation for
a mother who was deceased. Over time the day was
expanded to include others, such as grandmothers
and aunts, who played mothering roles. What had
originally been primarily a day of honour became
associated with the sending of cards and the giving of
gifts, however, and, in protest against its
commercialization, Jarvis spent the last years of her
life trying to abolish the holiday she had brought into
being.

Article Reference: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mothers-Day

We decided to go all out for this
holiday and gave our mothers

chocolates with heartfelt words of love;
informing them of how much we truly

appreciate them.

TUPQ WC

For the first time, the History of the Labour Movement and Political
Economy modules were combined into one. Following conversations,
it was determined that there was a great deal of cross-referencing
between the two modules. This took place over five days and was
delivered online for the first time. The module was separated into
three pieces in order to cover all three-unit criteria (US 243848
Demonstrate an understanding of the trade union movement Level
4=6 Credits; US 243846 Demonstrate an understanding of working-
class theories Level 4=6 credits; US 243850 Demonstrate an
understanding of political economy Level 4=10 Credits), and it
included both a Summative and Formative assessment.

The first two days were devoted to the
History of the Labour Movement and Trade
Unions. This covered the origins both
internationally and locally. On the morning of
the second day, we had our major
federations present their histories; COSATU,
FEDUSA, and NACTU all gave highly
educational and participatory talks.

COSATU was represented by Comrade Alfred
Mafuleka who is a National Educator; FEDUSA
was represented by Comrade Ashley
Benjamin who is The Deputy General
Secretary of FEDUSA; and NACTU was
represented by Comrade Sipho Ndhlovu who
is a National Co-ordinator.

TUPQ WC

The Third day focused on: Working Class Theories. We had requested
Comrade Skhumbuzo Mkhonta, a former Nehawu Educator who is
now the Nehawu Secretariat head, to lead this session. Comrade
Skhumbuzo did an excellent job of facilitating this workshop because
he was able to link the participants to real-life instances of what and
why things are the way they are today.

The Fourth and Fifth day was dedicated to Political Economy: This
session was facilitated by Comrade Makhi. Participants were given
reading assignments and were expected to return to plenary to
participate. This was an interactive session in which attendees were
able to interact with various political economy themes.
Overall, the module was well received by the students; they
expressed how it had begun to speak to their context. They valued
the presentations from various federations since they now have a
better understanding of other federations and can see that their
struggles are similar. They were a little taken aback by the roots of
May Day and debated about whether or not they were still adhering
to the May Day objectives; Why do people invite political parties to
speak to them on their own time? They also noted that some of the
problems they faced back then are still present now, the 8-hour work
day, for example; is not for everyone, and the social conflicts that the
earliest unions waged, such as free education and health care,
continue to this day.

We'd like to express our gratitude to all of the presenters and
facilitators for the highly informative and engaging sessions that were
held, as well as our participants for showing up with great devotion.

HOW TO BEAT
THE HIGH COST
OF LIVING IN
SOUTH AFRICA

Consumers have dug deep into Tsungai Masendeke, who is a
their pockets and cut back on a certified financial planner and
variety of fundamental necessities founder of Moms and Money,
as the price of petrol, as well as joined the roundtable
other basic items like oil, has risen conversation on “Inside EWN”
dramatically. hosted by editor-in-chief Mahlatse
South Africans are now paying an Mahlase, to help consumers find
estimated 12% more for food than ways of coping during these tough
a year ago, as well as a more than financial times:
R2 increase in petrol prices.
The rises will have knock-on “A rise in your source of income. It
repercussions in that if fuel costs might be exceedingly tough to
continue to rise dramatically, so begin reducing expenses,
will inflation, which will be especially if you have fixed
followed by rate hikes. obligations such as a mortgage or
But how can consumers deal car payment, but the one thing
better in these difficult you can control is an increase in
circumstances, and is there any your revenue stream. - You won't
possibility of tightening our belts? be able to live on what you have,
and it won't grow, so attempt to
Guests Wendy Knowler and locate another source of income.”-
consumer journalist, Mervin Tsungai Masendeke
Abrahams, who is the programme
coordinator at Pietermaritzburg
Economic Justice and Dignity, and

“Compare specials or general price at your local retailers and
choose the most cheap option for the things you require.”- Cindy

[https://ewn.co.za/2022/06/06/how-to-beat-the-high-cost-of-living-in-south-africa]

Poluta EWN sports

“Don't cancel your insurance plans because you'll end up paying
a lot more should something go wrong. Get third-party
insurance so you're at least covered in case of damage or an
accident.”- Wendy Knowler

Follow these tips and hopefully you'll be on your way to having
some extra change in your pockets

Article Reference:
[https://ewn.co.za/2022/06/06/how-to-beat-the-
high-cost-of-living-in-south-africa
https://www.theskimm.com/money/lets-talk-
about-why-prices-are-going-up-
3ZaYBZeHuv262M8GQJgXbR]]

Health Talk:

MonkeyPox

What Is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a disease caused by monkeypox virus. It got its name
when it was discovered in lab monkeys in 1958. This virus is similar to
the one that causes smallpox, but is less contagious and usually
causes a milder disease.
Monkeypox cases typically are most common in central and western
Africa, in those who recently travelled to those areas, and people
who’ve had contact with imported animals. But recent cases of
monkeypox have happened outside of Africa in people who have not
travelled.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Monkeypox?

Monkeypox causes fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph
nodes, and a rash. The rash begins as flat spots that turn into bumps,
which then fill with fluid. The bumps crust and fall off as they heal.
Usually, people feel better within 2 to 4 weeks. But sometimes the
virus can make a person severely ill.

How Does Monkeypox Spread?

Direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal
lesions of infected animals can result in animal-to-human (zoonotic)
transmission. Many animals in Africa have been reported to be infected
with the monkeypox virus, including rope squirrels, tree squirrels,
Gambian poached rats, dormice, various monkey species, and others.
Monkeypox's natural reservoir has yet to be established, while rats are
the most likely suspect. A possible risk factor is eating undercooked
meat and other animal products from infected animals. People who live
in or near forested regions may be exposed to infected animals in an
indirect or low-level manner.

Health Talk:

MonkeyPox

Close contact with respiratory secretions, skin
sores of an infected person, or recently
contaminated objects can result in human-to-
human transmission. Droplet respiratory
particle transmission typically necessitates
lengthy face-to-face contact, putting health
workers, household members, and other close
contacts of active cases at danger. However, in
recent years, the longest known chain of
transmission in a community has climbed from
6 to 9 person-to-person infections.

This could be related to the termination of
smallpox vaccination, which has resulted in a
loss of immunity in all groups. Transmission can
also happen through the placenta (which can
cause congenital monkeypox) or through
intimate contact during and after birth. While
close physical contact is a well-known risk factor
for transmission, it is currently unknown if
monkeypox may be transferred sexually. To
gain a better understanding of this risk, more
research is required.
It can take 5 to 21 days after exposure for
symptoms to start.

Health Talk:
MonkeyPox

Should We Worry About Getting Monkeypox?
So far, monkeypox infections are very rare. Previous outbreaks
have ended quickly, without putting many people at risk for
getting the infection.

Can Monkeypox Be Prevented?
Smallpox vaccines are effective against monkeypox infection, and
a vaccine created to prevent both smallpox and monkeypox is
available, if needed because of an outbreak.

As with many germs, washing hands well and often, masking, and
avoiding contact with sick people and animals can help protect
someone from getting sick. Let us be smart, stay safe and stay
informed.

[Article Ref: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/monkeypox.html [Image Ref: https://www.google.com/url?
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox] sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jpost.com%2Fbreaking-news%2Farticle-
707928&psig=AOvVaw1qSfcLPrR8B7US0qSk397y&ust=1654070443720000&source=ima
[Image Ref: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.news- ges&cd=vfe&ved=0CA4QjhxqFwoTCNjc-9yiifgCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAR]
medical.net%2Fnews%2F20220523%2FFirst-draft-genome-sequence-of-the-Monkeypox-virus-
associated-with-major-outbreak.aspx
https://www.google.com/url?
sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fnews%2Farticles%2Fcqlvpk00k42o&psig=AOvVa
w1qSfcLPrR8B7US0qSk397y&ust=1654070443720000&source=images]

Birthdays

Look who's birthday we celebrated this month!

Maniki Jenny
07 May 24 May

Hip Hip Hoorays to you! We hope you've had
yourselves a wonderful day and wish you
many more years to come!

Make sure never to miss out on what's new with
DITSELA

Visit our website: www.ditsela.org.za

011 492 0302
021 959 2581

[email protected]

@DitselaBasebenzi