01 May 2025
SADTU May Day Statement 2025
On this historic May Day, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) honours the indomitable spirit of solidarity that has been the bedrock of our struggle for justice and equality. As we stand united, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles that have guided us through the ages: democracy, human rights, and social justice.
In the face of rising authoritarianism and the relentless assault on our values, we, the education workers, and members of SADTU, declare our unwavering resolve to defend the rights and dignity of all. The tyrants may target us first, but we are also the vanguard in the fight for a better world.
Today, we stand in solidarity with trade unionists worldwide, from Myanmar to Iran, Argentina to Türkiye, Belarus to Eswatini, and beyond. Despite facing violence, intimidation, and fear, they persevere and resist. Their courage inspires us to continue our struggle with renewed vigour. We stand in solidarity with the unions in the USA who are facing an onslaught from President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
As a union in the education sector, we denounce the ongoing attacks on public education, academic freedom, and the rights of marginalized communities, including migrant students and LGBTI+ individuals. These attacks undermine the very foundation of our society and the values we uphold. As educators, we must continue to teach and shape the future with purpose and hope.
In the face of violent conflicts, trade wars, growing inequality, the disintegration of the international order, and the climate emergency, we must use our collective power to build a world rooted in solidarity, peace, and human dignity. Our unity is our strength; together, we rise to defend democracy and workers’ rights, overcoming every challenge with resilience and hope.
Democracy and trade unions are intertwined; one cannot thrive without the other. Our fight for democracy includes countering disinformation, organized hatred, and ensuring transparency and accountability in government. The fight for democracy requires strong and democratic trade unions in the community and the workplace, as well as critical thinking and active citizenship in the classroom.
Democracy is more than just free and fair elections; it is about delivering for the people, not the oligarchs who pillage public resources. It is about fighting inequality, intolerance, and advocating for social and climate justice.
As educators, we know history and we teach the future. Since the first May Day in the 1880s, this date has been a moment for workers around the world to come together to celebrate labour solidarity and to push for progress. In South Africa, our Federation COSATU relentlessly fought the apartheid government to officially recognise this day as Worker’s Day by embarking on stayaways; and since the dawn of democracy in 1994, the day is officially celebrated as a reminder of the critical role that trade unions played in the fight against apartheid, for workers’ rights, and worker solidarity.
This May Day, far from being intimidated and retreating, we will continue to advance with solidarity and purpose. Our resolve remains, our determination grows: defending democracy and rights through inclusive, quality public education and union solidarity.
We join hands with the International Trade Union Confederation, Education International, COSATU and our sisters and brothers in the global union movement with a ten-point agenda to rebuild democracy and deliver for working people:
- Universal fair taxation,
- Regulation for corporations,
- Public education for all children,
- Public services for the public, not for profit,
- Healthcare, retirement, and social protections,
- Living wages for all working people,
- Climate action and a just transition for people and planet,
- Freedom and equality,
- Peace and solidarity, instead of hate and war,
- Respect for the rights of migrants to work and build a life
We celebrate the unyielding spirit of solidarity that empowers workers to build a world of justice and equity. Together, we stand as one, forging a future where dignity and collective strength shine bright. Our unity is our guiding star; with resilience and hope, we rise to defend democracy and workers’ rights, illuminating the world with our unwavering resolve.
Forward ever, backward never!
ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat