The great legacy and powerful voice of Elijah Barayi continues to live on, as described by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the inaugural Labour Law Lecture named after the late first president of the Congress of South Africa Trade Unions (COSATU). The event was hosted by the University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s Centre for Data and Digital Communications (CDDC), the South African Research Chair in Industrial Development (SARChi-ID), and the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) at UJ’s Soweto Campus.
In celebrating 30 years of democracy, the inaugural Elijah Barayi Lecture held on May 15, 2024, honoured Barayi, a pivotal figure in South Africa’s labour movement and the struggle against apartheid. Barayi’s leadership in COSATU and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), as well as his role in organising historic strikes, significantly contributed to the dismantling of apartheid.
“Elijah Barayi’s life was a testament to bravery and standing firm on principle even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. It takes a hero to go against the norm and to stand for what is right even when those around them remain silent or look away,” said President Ramaphosa.
The President highlighted the instrumental ways in which the activist, affectionately called Oom Barayi, impacted South African society through his bravery. His union activism was deeply intertwined with the struggle for national liberation. “As we look back on 30 years of democracy, we can see very clearly how the relationship between workers’ struggles and the fight for broader political and social change have shaped our country.”
President Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of trade union membership, noting its decline over time, including a decrease of approximately 11% last year according to DEL statistics. “This is taking place at a time of greater automation, increasing casualisation of labour, and more workers moving to the informal economy. Internal divisions, governance issues, and the ability of unions to service and organise workers have also contributed to this decline. This must be addressed with urgency. Strong trade union membership is vital to consolidate the gains of social protection, industrial relations, occupational health and safety, and workers’ rights.”
The President added that it is the collective responsibility of all citizens to build on the achievements of democracy and work vigorously to overcome poverty, unemployment, and inequality. “Building a future that promotes decent work and social justice necessitates that we deepen our collaboration as government, business, labour, and civil society. In this effort, trade unions must remain at the forefront. Labour is key to the success of our industrial policy, which aims to revitalise key industries, create and keep more jobs locally, and promote beneficiation of our vast mineral resources.”
Minister Thulas Nxesi spoke on the significance of the lecture taking place in May, highlighting the advances made by workers in South Africa. UJ’s Prof Fiona Tregenna, SARChi-ID chair, noted that the lecture would become an annual event in May, Workers’ Month. “It’s fitting that we celebrate the role and legacy of Elijah Barayi, also 30 years since his passing and of worker and broader working-class struggles in contributing to and shaping this precious democracy of ours.”
