POLOKWANE – Workers’ Day is celebrated annually on May 1.
This year, because the date fell on a Sunday, today (May 2) is a public holiday and for a lot of residents a break from work.
We asked some residents why the day is celebrated and why they feel it is important:
Nkhangweni Masakona- “Workers’ Day is a day that highlights the plight of workers and from 1994, this day has been commemorated. It is an annual reminder that the rights of the working class are still not fully recognised and there is still a way to go. It also seeks to celebrate the strides that have been made in the labour movement since the dawn of democracy.”Ntwanano Siwela – “Workers’ Day is a day of reflection and appreciation for people who wake up every day to try and earn a living for their families. It is also a day to take a break from the said work and gather strength before the continuation of the struggle of being working class.”Julia Maimela – “Workers’ Day is celebrated on this day in many countries and we’re fortunate that our country is one of them. The day is a day we can get rest and have a long weekend. I also know that those individuals who fought for workers’ rights are remembered on this important day.”Tshego Tladi – “I understand that Workers’ Day is a holiday that honours all workers like us, this is where we’re given a day to rest and get a breather. I take it as a good opportunity to enjoy the long weekend with family and friends.”Lonwabo Keswa – “My opinion is that Workers’ Day is an important holiday to South African employees because it proves that their rights are recognised and exercised in their different working fields and are appropriated for making a difference in our economy.”Mosima Sekgobela – “As a self-employed worker my thoughts on this day is that I get to have a day off from going to work and it gives me time to plan all my activities well and some quality time to spend with my family.”Maidi Baloyi – “I think Workers’ Day is a day to celebrate, respect and highlight the contribution of workers to our society and more light should be brought to the day by teaching the nation of the history of the day so they may understand its inception, to not just know it as just another day off work. It’s important to celebrate what the communities and trade/labour unions fought to stop the inhuman conditions labourers went through working 16 hours a day. We are here because of the fight our people fought. We should be proud and never stop improving conditions for the next generation.For more breaking news follow us on FacebookTwitter Instagram or join our WhatsApp group
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