What to do this Worker’s Day…

Worker’s Day, also known as International Worker’s Day and May Day, is celebrated in many countries, in many different guises. 

The history of May Day goes back many centuries and has its roots in paganism. The history of Worker’s Day goes back to the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago where workers were protesting for shorter working hours. As the police were trying to disperse the crowd, a bomb was thrown at them and they retaliated with live ammunition, killing and injuring scores of unarmed protestors. In 1889, May 1 or May Day protests were recognized as an annual international event and subsequently 1 May had many riots and demonstrations in the coming years. Eventually many countries adopted 1 May as a public holiday and in 1955 the Catholic Church dedicated the day to St Joseph The Worker.

In South Africa, May 1 was officially pronounced a national public holiday in 1994 under the name Worker’s Day. Its origins are still of those workers and their trade unions that struggled internationally for fair employment standards and worker’s rights. Pre-1994, the day was became a rallying point for workers and trade unions as well as anti-apartheid demonstrations.

Well the days of fighting for equal rights whether as a worker or a general human being have passed, so we have compiled a list of some things to do this Worker’s day…  

The Assembly is hosting “SA’s biggest tennis party,” Love All: 'A party for workers day' tonight. Doors open at 7pm and tickets cost R50-R70 available through Computicket or at the door.

The Canal Walk Motor Show is on until tomorrow evening and is set to get any petrol head’s engine revving. Competitions giveaways are up for grabs and definitely worth the visit.

The Bay Harbour Comedy Supper Club is sure to give you your dose of laughter this Worker’s Day. Comedic magician, Magic Man (Andrew Eland) will be headlining this event hosted by Dugald Pieterse. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 8pm. Tickets available online and at the Boom Bar at the Bay Harbour Market and cost R70-R90.

At 5pm the Cape Town Stadium will come alive to the sounds and vuvuzelas and cheering as Ajax Cape Town takes on Kaizer Chiefs. Tickets are available through Computicket from R40 to R80.

Bring the family down to Noordhoek Farm Village who are hosting an afternoon Community Carnival in celebration of Worker’s Day. Events are planned for 2pm-5pm and entrance is free.

SAMA Award winner, Manie Jackson will be performing at the Bravo Lounge at the Garden Route Casino in Mossel Bay at 7.30pm. Tickets are available through Computicket at a cost of R80.

Why not absorb some culture and head to the Kalk Bay Theatre for the opening night of Song and Dance, a comedy set to leave you in stiches. Don’t Dress For Dinner is on at the Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay and the David Krut Projects art exhibition is on at the Montebello Design Centre. There will be two performances at the Sound on Screen Film Festival at the Labia Theatre on Orange on May 1.

The Cederberg Kunstefees (Art Festival) kicks off in Clanwilliam tomorrow. The line-up of events and performances is available on the website and can be booked through Computicket. The Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Art Festival also begins tomorrow in Knsyna.

Villiera Wines in Stellenbosch is hosting the Miles for Smiles Fun Run.  The run/walk is in aid of Operation Smile South Africa who provides free surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities on children. So put on your takkies and give to a good cause. Delvera farm, also in Stellenbosch is hosting the All-Mountain Enduro MTB Race.

In Wellington the annual Safari Half Marathon will be taking place for the 26th time. The marathon has become one of the highlights in the athletics calendar and is sure to be centred around fun festivities.

If these activities do not tickle your fancy, why not spend some quality time with the family and have a braai, a big lunch or even a picnic - make the most of what’s left of the sunshine before the Cape Town winter sets in.