UPCOMMING EVENTS BY CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
01 Energy Month in SA
Workers’ Day
May marks National Energy Month in South Africa. Each year Government takes this opportunity to raise awareness around how fuel and electricity can be used safely and sustainably.
Workers’ Day has been celebrated globally in multiple countries since 1891. This commemorative day stems from the late 1800’s and the struggle for workers’ rights and social justice. South Africa has a longstanding history of both labour and social conflicts.
The country has been experiencing an energy crisis, thus, we need to find some actionable solutions to save where possible. Every year campaigns circulate, involving households, businesses and government. The main objective is to work together towards positively changing our reliance on national energy providers to supply our energy. This year Green Energy Awareness and ‘clean’ methods will be a popular topic of discussion, as Government encourages the use of renewable energy sources.
46 | Public Sector Leaders | May 2021
Our nation recognises this day, since the elections of 1994, as a celebration of workers’ rights and as a reminder of the critical role that trade unions, the Communist Party and other labour organisations played in the fight against Apartheid. This year, the public holiday falls on a Saturday. Worker’s Day holds much cultural significance for our nation and the sacrifices that have been made surrounding employment standards.
03 World Press Freedom Day Initiated by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, after the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference, World Press Freedom Day raises awareness around journalism culture and practices. Each year, on the 3rd of May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is commemorated globally. Press Freedom campaigns aim to celebrate the essential role of journalists and expressing press freedom, as well as drawing attention to the defense of the media from threats and attacks on their independence. This day also pays homage to the journalists who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
