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The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Free State welcomes the election of the newly appointed premier of the province.  We hope and trust that he will live up to the commitments he made in his acceptance speech. The province needs a fresh perspective to resolve its mountainous challenges which have piled up over some time. If these challenges are to be eradicated, the premier would have to be dedicated to finding lasting solutions.

The Free Staters needs adequate delivery of basic services, the ramping up of infrastructure and most importantly, radical improvement of governance at local, district and provincial government levels. 

As workers, we have been waiting for far too long for our issues to be addressed. Amongst our long list of grievances are shortages of staff, equipment, consumables, and dilapidating infrastructure. 

Workers in the private sector are faced with the harshest working conditions under extremely racist workplaces. They continue to suffer, even those contracted to companies that receive state tenders on a permanent basis. The protection of workers must also be prioritised by compelling companies who gain access to tenders to have membership to a bargaining council as a prerequisite to usher in decent jobs. That would ensure protection of vulnerable workers across the economic sectors.

We also anticipate the upliftment of local businesses-that they will receive better support in both local district and provincial government. 

The road to realising the emancipation of the province requires collective effort from both workers and government. However, we need decisive leadership at the helm to successfully direct the province to that goal. 

COSATU Free State pledges its support to the premier and his executive. We will continue to exercise our mandate of monitoring performance at all government spheres for the advancement of the working class and citizens of the province. 

The struggle continues!

Issued by COSATU Free State