Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin, 9 April 2026 #CosatuMayDay2026
Norman Mampane
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COSATU TODAY COSATU Call Center Contacts: 010 002 2590 #COSATU National May Day will be celebrated at Polokwane, Limpopo on May 1 #ClassWar #Cosatu40 #SACTU70 #ClassStruggle “Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism” #Back2Basics #JoinCOSATUNow #ClassConsciousness |
Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin
‘Whoever sides with the revolutionary people in deed as well as in word is a revolutionary in the full sense’-Maoo
Our side of the story
9 April 2026
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- Media accreditation for COSATU May Day celebrations officially open
- Stakeholders and interested parties invited to make written and/or oral submissions on the Special Appropriation Bill [B3 – 2026].
- South Africa
- COSATU is encouraged by the Protected Disclosures Bill
- South African Communist Party Statement on the postponement of the wreath-laying ceremony in honour of Cde Chris Hani
- Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA)
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- WFTU condemns the Israeli Attacks on Lebanon
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
Media accreditation for COSATU May Day celebrations officially open
Zanele Sabela, COSATU Spokesperson, 08 April 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has officially opened media accreditation applications for Workers’ Day celebrations on 1 May 2026. The Federation will continue with its tradition of hosting celebrations across the country, with the national rally to be held at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The President of COSATU, Zingiswa Losi will deliver the keynote address, with messages of support from leaders of Alliance Partners: the African National Congress (ANC), South African Communist Party (SACP) and South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO).
COSATU National Office bearers will lead provincial commemorations, alongside leaders of affiliated trade unions and members of the Federation’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).
Applications to cover the national rally may be submitted to mam...@cosatu.org.za or non...@cosatu.org.za.
Alternatively, an application form can be completed via this link:
Media accreditation for COSATU May Day celebrations officially open – Fill out form
Applications to cover provincial rallies can be sent to the following contacts:
1. Western Cape- Mbekweni Sport Stadium (Paarl) at 10:00
Malvern de Bruyn 060 977 9027 or Cleopatra Kakaza 072 312 6822
2. Gauteng - Tsakane Stadium (Brakpan) at 10:00
Louisa Modikwe 082 297 2659 or Itumeleng Moloantoa 071 873 5238
3. Free State- Bultfontein Stadium (Bultfontein) at 10:00
Tiisetso Mahlatsi on 077 607 3012 or Mongezi Mbelwane on 072 308 7658
4. KwaZulu Natal Curries Fountain Stadium (Durban) at 10:00
Edwin Mkhize 082 339 7756 or Khaliphile Cotoza 082 339 5760
5. Mpumalanga- Kamagugu Stadium (Mbombela) at 10:00
Thabo Mokoena 082 799 5699 or James Mahlabane 064 753 9055
6. Northern Cape- Open Air Arena (Galeshewe) at 10:00
Thandi Makapela 079 481 9077
7. North West- Olympia Stadium (Rustenburg) at 10:00
Kabelo Kgoro 067 410 4696
8. Eastern Cape - Nangoa Jebe Hall – Gqeberha, Orient Theatre (kuGompo) – Buffalo City, Tobi Kula Indoor Sports Centre (Komani) and Lusikisiki College Great Hall at 10:00
Mkhawuleli Maleki 082 339 5482
Issued by COSATU
Zanele Sabela (COSATU Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: zan...@cosatu.org.za
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Stakeholders and interested parties invited to make written and/or oral submissions on the Special Appropriation Bill [B3 – 2026].
The Select Committee on Appropriations invites stakeholders and interested parties to make written and/or oral submissions on the Special Appropriation Bill [B3 – 2026]. The Bill was introduced by the Minister of Finance on 25 February 2026. The Money Bills and Related Matters Act, No. 13 of 2018, requires Parliament to conduct public hearings and report on all Bills.
The closing date for written submissions, or to indicate your intention to make an oral presentation, is 14:00 on Friday, 24 April 2026. Public hearings on the Bill will be held virtually by the Select Committee on Appropriations on Tuesday, 28 April 2026 at 09:00.
Submissions must be sent to the Committee Secretariat: Mr Lubabalo Nodada at Lno...@parliament.gov.za or Ms Estelle Grunewald at egrun...@parliament.gov.za.
South Africa #ClassSolidarity
COSATU
is encouraged by the Protected Disclosures Bill
Matthew
Parks , COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, 09 April 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is encouraged by the Protected Disclosures Bill that has been released by the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms. M. Kubayi for public comment.
This is a progressive Bill that responds positively to critical demands that COSATU has been championing for many years. The Bill provides important legislative interventions in response to the Zondo Commission of Enquiry into State Capture and Corruption as
well as proposals made by COSATU to the Department, Nedlac and Parliament.
The Bill provides important provisions tightening protections for workers from victimisation at the workplace, as well as protections for other members of the public, when blowing the whistle against acts of corruption, state capture and other criminal activities.
Other important clauses tighten protections for the anonymity of whistleblowers.
COSATU welcomes the African National Congress led government’s heeding its call to provide rewards for whistleblowers. This was something that COSATU had pushed hard for during previous engagements with government at Nedlac and Parliament.
We are, however, concerned that this provision for awards excludes public servants. This is a fundamental flaw as many public servants, in particular junior staff, are very vulnerable to victimisation. Equally junior public procurement staff often have invaluable
information about wrongdoing by senior management and service providers.
Their intelligence is key to securing successful prosecutions. Their protection and rewards are key to incentivising them to take risks on their careers, lives and families by exposing corruption. Such an exclusion should be limited to the Heads of Departments
and senior management only.
Whilst supporting this progressive Bill, its witness protection programmes need to be substantially resourced by Treasury if they are to provide the necessary protection for those who risk their jobs, lives and families when reporting criminal activities. We
cannot afford to cut corners when protecting the lives of whistleblowers.
The Federation looks forward to engaging with the Department on this important Bill, to resolving COSATU’s concerns and to strengthening its provisions.
It is important that government and Parliament prioritise this Bill and ensure its speedy implementation. It will be a critical weapon in the war against state capture and corruption.
Issued by COSATU
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South African Communist Party Statement on the postponement of the wreath-laying ceremony in honour of Cde Chris Hani
Mbulelo Mandlana, SACP Head of Media, Communications and Information, 9 April 2026
Today, the South African Communist Party (SACP), in coordination with the Hani family and organisations of the Alliance, had planned to hold a wreath-laying ceremony in honour of Comrade Chris Hani at the gravesite in Elspark.
The ceremony was, however, postponed by consensus of Alliance leaders present at the grave site. The postponement was due to the withdrawal of the Hani family from the ceremony following the self-imposition of the Ekurhuleni Municipality on the proceedings despite the Hani family’s express objections to the municipality’s participation, with reasons communicated beforehand.
The SACP is gravely concerned about what appears to be the municipal authorities’ unwillingness or refusal to respect the wishes of the Hani family on matters related to the wreath-laying ceremony.
The municipality is aware of the processes taken towards the commemoration of our stalwarts, which include extensive engagements with families. The Hani family expressed its concerns about how the municipality was handling this matter since 2025, and this led the family to approach the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, noting that Comrade Chris Hani was a national figure and must be celebrated beyond one region or municipality.
Thus, in 2025 the event went to the Eastern Cape, his birth province, and the 33rd Commemoration in 2026 will be held in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in Mpumalanga.
We will always respect and preserve the legacy of our stalwarts and heroes of the liberation struggle, and that includes respecting their families.
The SACP is committed to maintaining a sound relationship with the Hani family to ensure that the movement’s claim to the legacy of Chris Hani is harmonious with the family’s wishes and values. This alignment has always been intact from our standpoint as the SACP, and we are working even at this time to sustain and deepen it.
The relationship between the Party and the Hani family is not ceremonial; it is political, moral, and rooted in the shared responsibility to defend and advance Chris Hani’s revolutionary legacy in a manner that is both disciplined and united.
The official commemoration of the 33rd anniversary of the assassination of Chris Hani will be held as follows:
Date: Friday 10 April 2026
Time: 10h00
Venue: Kwaggafontein Community Hall, Ephraim Mogale District, Mpumalanga Province
Speakers: SACP General Secretary, Solly Mapaila, will deliver the keynote address on behalf of the Party.
The event will also receive messages from the Hani family, Alliance components and the Young Communist League of South Africa.
ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNIST PARTY,
FOUNDED IN 1921 AS THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Media, Communications & Information Department | MCID
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Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA)
Date: 09 April 2026
Issued by: Chairperson of the ETDP SETA – Dr Olwethu Sipuka
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) notes with concern recent media reports relating to the organisation’s governance and operations.
The ETDP SETA takes all matters raised in the public domain seriously and is currently reviewing the content of these reports to fully understand the nature and scope of the allegations. At this stage, it would be premature to comment in detail on specific claims. A comprehensive and substantiated response will be provided once all relevant facts have been fully established. This process includes assessing the claims against internal records, established policies, and applicable regulatory frameworks. Stakeholders and members of the public are encouraged to allow due process to unfold and to rely on verified information communicated through official ETDP SETA channels.
As a public entity, the ETDP SETA remains firmly committed to the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The organisation wishes to assure all stakeholders that it continues to operate effectively and remains focused on delivering its core mandate of advancing education, training, and skills development within the sector.
The ETDP SETA remains fully operational and continues to fulfil its mandate.
The organisation is committed to:
• Strengthening governance and accountability
• Enhancing internal control systems
• Ensuring transparency across all operations
• Cooperating fully with all oversight and investigative processes
The organisation recognises the importance of public trust and remains steadfast in upholding the highest standards of ethical and responsible administration.
To preserve the integrity of the review and any related processes, the ETDP SETA will refrain from further detailed public commentary at this time. Updates will be communicated as appropriate.
End of Statement
Media Enquiries:
Ms Anna-Joy Motene
Email: anna...@etdpseta.org.za
International-Solidarity
WFTU condemns the Israeli Attacks on Lebanon
9 April 2026
The World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) strongly condemns the Israeli attacks against Lebanon. The deadly attack carried out yesterday by Israel, which left hundreds of civilians dead and injured and caused massive material destruction, once again confirms the criminality, brutality, and expansionist character of the Netanyahu’s regime and of the murderous Israeli state. This attack constitutes a dangerous escalation of Israeli aggression against Lebanon, which has been developing for weeks with the aim of invasion and occupation, and undermines the fragile ceasefire in the US–Israel war against Iran.
The WFTU condemns the ongoing Israeli barbarity in Lebanon and across the region and expresses its full solidarity with the people of Lebanon.
The international community has an obligation to condemn these actions, and to actively force the murderous state of Israel to stop. Silence amounts to complicity with imperialism and with Netanyahu’s regime, which is shedding the blood of the Lebanese people.
______________________________
Norman Mampane (Shopsteward Editor)
Congress of South African Trade Unions
110 Jorissen Cnr Simmonds Street, Braamfontein, 2017
P.O.Box 1019, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
Tel: +27 11 339-4911 Direct line: 010 219-1348