Taking COSATU Today Forward, 29 April 2026 #CosatuMayDay2026
Norman Mampane
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COSATU TODAY COSATU Call Center Contacts: 010 002 2590 #COSATU National May Day celebrations countdown underway… #ClassWar #Cosatu40 #SACTU70 #ClassStruggle “Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism” #Back2Basics #JoinCOSATUNow #ClassConsciousness |
Taking COSATU Today Forward
‘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
29 April 2026
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- Media Invite: COSATU Free State May Day Celebration
- COSATU Mpumalanga to host May Day celebration in Kabokweni Stadium Mbombela
- Media Invite: COSATU Limpopo National May Day State of Readiness Press Briefing
- NUM Leadership to Address Striking Workers at Impala Platinum Triple M Amid Protracted Rights Dispute
- Media accreditation for COSATU May Day celebrations officially open
- South Africa
- National Treasury on extension of short-term relief measures to address fuel price increases
- Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi announces 4% wage increase for public servants
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- International Workers’ Memorial Day 2026: Tackling psychosocial risks at work
- Global care systems at risk without urgent reforms to protect migrant workers, new UNI report warns
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics #ClassWar
Media Invite: COSATU Free State May Day Celebration
Tiisetso Mahlatsi, COSATU Free State Provincial Secretary, 29 April 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) Free State invites all members of the media to attend and cover its May Day celebration on 1 May at Bultfontein Stadium, Tswelopele Local Municipality.
The 1st of May remains a significant day where workers commemorate the struggles and gains of workers and the labour movement. As workers, we are always proud to celebrate May Day, because it forms a central part of South Africa’s history.
May Day, 1950, is at the heart of the South African liberation struggle, during which a general strike called by the Communist Party of South Africa and the ANC, against the Suppression of Communism Act, resulted in violent clashes with the police, leaving 18 people dead, 30 injured. It marked a critical turning point against apartheid.
We intend to honour the central place of the working class in the South African liberation struggle on this day.
The programme will start at 10am with messages from leaders of the Alliance. COSATU’s 1st Deputy President, Mike Shingange, will deliver the keynote address on behalf of the National Office Bearers.
The ANC will be represented by its Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, followed by the SACP. SANCO will be represented by its 2nd Deputy President, Lucky Moloi.
We expect thousands of members across the borders of the Free State to attend this important day; they will be entertained by various artists.
Media accreditation will be available from 8am at the Town hall.
Issued by COSATU Free State
Tiisetso Mahlatsi, Provincial Secretary
079 152 9648 / 0776073012
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COSATU Mpumalanga to host May Day celebration in Kabokweni Stadium in Mbombela
Thabo Mokoena, COSATU Mpumalanga Provincial Secretary, 29 April 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Mpumalanga will host its annual May Day celebration on 1 May at Kabokweni Stadium in Mbombela (Nelspruit). This important day on the workers’ calendar will bring together workers, Alliance partners, community formations, and progressive forces to commemorate International Workers’ Day.
May Day remains a historic platform to celebrate the hard-won gains of workers while confronting the challenges that continue to undermine the dignity and livelihoods of the working class.
This year’s celebration comes at a critical moment for South Africa’s economy and social fabric, where workers are bearing the brunt of rising inequality, unemployment, and economic hardship.
The 2026 May Day rally will focus on key issues affecting workers and communities, including:
- The rising cost of living: The increasing prices of food, electricity, transport, and other necessities are placing unbearable pressure on workers and their families. COSATU demands urgent government intervention to cushion the working class from the escalating cost of living crisis.
- The urgent implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI): COSATU reaffirms its unwavering support for universal access to quality healthcare. The Federation calls for the accelerated and transparent implementation of the NHI to ensure that all South Africans, particularly the working class and the poor, can access dignified healthcare services.
- The fight against austerity measures: Workers continue to suffer under budget cuts that weaken public services, threaten jobs, and undermine economic growth. COSATU will intensify its campaign against austerity and advocate for a developmental, worker-friendly economic approach.
- The fight against the closure of power stations: The Federation opposes the premature closure of power stations without viable alternatives that protect jobs and ensure energy security. A just transition must prioritise workers and affected communities.
- Addressing the scourge of illegal mining (zama zamas): COSATU calls for decisive action to combat illegal mining activities that threaten economic stability, worker safety, and community security, while also advocating for sustainable solutions for those driven into informal and unsafe work.
The May Day celebration will feature addresses from COSATU leadership, Alliance partners, and invited stakeholders. It will also serve as a platform to mobilise workers towards unity, solidarity, and collective action in defence of their rights.
COSATU Mpumalanga invites all workers, community members, and progressive organisations to join the May Day rally in large numbers as we reaffirm our commitment to building a just, equitable, and inclusive society.
Issued by COSATU Mpumalanga Provincial Office
Thabo Mokoena (Provincial Secretary)
Mobile: 073 750 2041
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Media Invite: COSATU Limpopo National May Day State of Readiness Press Briefing
Hangwani Mashao, COSATU Limpopo Provincial Secretary, 29 April 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) Limpopo invites members of the media to a press briefing ahead of the National May Day celebration on 1 May, at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
COSATU Limpopo leaders will brief media on the state of readiness to host the national rally and how the programme on the day will unfold.
Details on the transport routes for members and the wider community will also be shared.
The press briefing will be held as follows:
Date: 29 April 2026
Venue: Old Peter Mokaba Stadium Conference Room
Time: 10am
Media are invited to attend and cover the briefing.
For enquiries contact:
Hangwani Mashao (Provincial Secretary)
Mobile: 067 413 0165
Email: Hang...@cosatu.org
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NUM leadership to address striking workers at Impala Platinum Triple M amid protracted rights dispute
Livhuwani Mammburu, NUM National Spokesperson, 28 April 2026
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) General Secretary, Mpho Phakedi, will tomorrow morning address more than a thousand workers currently on a protected strike at Impala Platinum Triple M.
The strike, which commenced in the early hours of Friday, April 24, 2026, is a direct result of management’s continued bad faith and the deliberate obstruction of workers' organizational rights.
A History of Bad Faith The dispute dates back to May 2025. Following a CCMA conciliation, a direct order was issued to verify union membership. However, this process was systematically frustrated for four months—a calculated delay designed to deny workers their lawful rights. NUM members at Triple M remain resolute and will intensify their industrial action until these hard-won organizational rights are fully recognized and granted.
Upcoming Leadership Engagements:
• Wednesday, April 29: NUM General Secretary Mpho Phakedi will address workers at Impala Platinum Shaft 1, Rustenburg.
• Thursday, April 30: NUM Deputy President Olehile Kgware will address members at Impala Platinum Triple M.
• Friday, May 1: NUM Deputy President Olehile Kgware will deliver the keynote address at the COSATU May Day Rally at Olympia Stadium, Rustenburg.
The NUM remains committed to defending the constitutional rights of its members against employer tactics intended to undermine collective bargaining.
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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
South Africa #ClassSolidarity
National Treasury on extension of short-term relief measures to address fuel price increases
28 Apr 2026
On 31 March 2026 the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources jointly announced a temporary reduction in the general fuel levy of R3 per litre from Wednesday 1 April 2026 to Tuesday 5 May 2026 to provide limited short-term relief to households from rising fuel prices following the Middle East conflict. The relief measure was designed to be fiscally neutral, and the government will implement mechanisms to recoup the foregone revenue within the fiscal framework approved during the 2026 Budget.
Since this announcement, the continuation of the Middle East conflict has resulted in consistent pressure on global oil prices which has led to increases in domestic fuel prices.
To provide further relief and to address concerns of higher inflation and negative impacts on economic growth due to increasing fuel prices, the following relief measures are proposed for May and June 2026.
1. The extension of the temporary reduction in the general fuel levy:
a. The Minister of Finance proposes that the R3 per litre reduction in the general fuel levy for petrol is extended until Tuesday 2 June 2026. Given the large expected increases in the price of diesel, the Minister of Finance proposes that the temporary relief for diesel is increased by 93 cents to R3.93 per litre, reducing the levy to zero, from Wednesday 6 May 2026 to Tuesday 2 June 2026. The general fuel levy for petrol will remain at R1.10 per litre and the general fuel levy for diesel will decrease from R0.93 per litre to R0.00 per litre.
b. For the month of June 2026, the Minister of Finance proposes that the level of relief is halved to phase out the relief before July. As a result, the amount of relief from the general fuel levy will be reduced to R1.50 per litre for petrol and R1.96 per litre for diesel, effective from Wednesday 3 June 2026 to Tuesday 30 June 2026. This will increase the general fuel levy for petrol from R1.10 per litre to R2.60 per litre and increase the general fuel levy for diesel from R0.00 per litre to R1.97 per litre.
c. From 1 July onwards, the general fuel levy for petrol will return to R4.10 per litre and the general fuel levy for diesel will return to R3.93 per litre.
The estimated cost of the temporary fuel levy relief from April to June 2026 is R17.2 billion in foregone tax revenue.
The fuel levy relief measure is designed to be revenue neutral and will be funded through a combination of higher-than-expected tax revenue and underspending and will not have an impact on the fiscal framework adopted by Parliament following the 2026 Budget. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has initiated a review of the formula whose conclusion will determine how fuel prices are regulated going forward.
It should also be noted that according to the Self Adjusting Slate mechanism the under recovery of importers of petroleum products must also be accommodated, and as such the Slate levy on petrol and diesel will also be adjusted for the month of May.
For enquiries email me...@treasury.gov.za
Issued by National Treasury
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Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi announces 4% wage increase for public servants
24 Apr 2026
Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, the Minister for Public Service and Administration, has overseen the implementation of a new salary adjustment for public servants. Circular No. 15 of 2026 outlines the 4% cost-of-living adjustment for the 2026/2027 financial year.
This adjustment, effective from 1 April 2026, applies to employees on salary levels 1 to 12 and those covered by Occupation Specific Dispensations (OSDs).
The increase gives effect to the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) Resolution 1 of 2025, which established a multi-year wage framework for the public service.
While the National Treasury projected the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 2026/27 at 3.4%, the collective agreement includes a “floor” and “ceiling” mechanism. Because the projected CPI was below 4%, the resolution mandates that the increase be deemed 4%. The adjustment is a pensionable salary increase for all qualifying staff.
The directive specifically covers employees appointed under the Public Service Act, 1994. The circular also clarified that certain groups are excluded from this specific circular, as their adjustments are handled by their respective Executive Authorities:
– Senior Management Service (SMS): Salary levels 13 to 16 will be addressed once the level 1–12 process is finalized.
– Sectoral Personnel: Employees under the South African Police Services Act, Employment of Educators Act, South African Defence Act, and Correctional Services Act.
– NPA Personnel: Those employed under the National Prosecuting Authority Act.
Beyond the standard salary scales, the circular addresses several other critical areas of public service remuneration:
– Pay Progression: Qualifying employees will receive pay progression for the 2025/26 performance cycle starting 1 July 2026.
– Interns and Developmental Programmes: Departments must ensure stipends for interns are adjusted to match the new salary scales effective 1 April 2026.
– Casual Workers: Hourly and daily rates for contract or casual employees must be calculated using a specific formula.
– Sessional Rates: Revised rates for healthcare and social service professionals (Nurses, Social Workers, Medical Officers, etc.) are included in the new appendices.
“The implementation of this 4% adjustment is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the stability of our Public Service and the sanctity of collective bargaining. By honoring the ‘floor’ mechanism within PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2025, we are ensuring that even when inflation projections sit at 3.4%, public servants on salary levels 1 to 12 receive a deemed increase that provides a meaningful cushion against the rising cost of living. This is not merely an administrative update; it is a deliberate act of support for the men and women who serve the citizens of South Africa every day,” said Minister Buthelezi.
“Beyond the immediate salary scales, we are placing significant emphasis on the future of our workforce by ensuring that intern stipends and developmental programmes are adjusted in tandem with these new scales as we forge ahead in building a capable, ethical and developmental state,” he added.
Issued by Department of Public Service and Administration
International-Solidarity
International Workers’ Memorial Day 2026: Tackling psychosocial risks at work
28 April 2026
This International Workers’ Memorial Day, 28 April, the ITUC calls for urgent action to tackle the global crisis of psychosocial risks at work - now one of the leading causes of death, disease and distress for workers worldwide.
Behind the daily reality of work, millions of working people are facing relentless pressure: long hours, job insecurity, impossible targets and toxic workplace cultures.
These are not just bad jobs - they are dangerous jobs. Stress, anxiety and burnout are now causing more harm globally than traditional workplace hazards such as chemicals or dust.
The ITUC’s new report shows the scale of the crisis:
Long working hours alone are responsible for around 745,000 deaths each year.
There are at least 70,000 work-related suicides annually.
12 billion working days are lost every year due to depression and anxiety.
Burnout affects around one in five workers globally.
Psychosocial risks are linked to over 10 per cent of cases of heart disease, depression and suicides.
“Bad jobs can break anyone. When workers are pushed beyond their limits by job insecurity, excessive workloads and lack of control, the consequences can be fatal. This is not inevitable - it is a result of choices made in boardrooms and by governments.”ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle
Across the world, unions are proving that change is possible. Evidence shows that a strong, democratic trade union presence in the workplace is the most effective protection against psychosocial risks, improving workers’ health and economic outcomes.
The ITUC is calling for:
Strong laws to prevent psychosocial risks at work.
Full involvement of trade unions in workplace health and safety.
Decent work, including secure jobs, fair pay, safe staffing levels and manageable workloads.
Recognition of mental health conditions as occupational diseases.
Luc Triangle concluded: “The solutions to these problems start with democracy in the workplace, with a voice for workers through their trade unions. Employers can ignore the psychosocial health of workers and break them, lose valuable skills and face the financial cost, or they can work with unions to ensure that workers are valued. If employers are struggling to recognise which is the correct choice, unions are ready and available to remind them. The fight for democracy in the workplace is the fight for the wellbeing of all working people.”
This 28 April, we remember the dead - and fight for the living. Work should not cost lives. It must protect lives, dignity and mental health.
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Global care systems at risk without urgent reforms to protect migrant workers, new UNI report warns
28 April 2026
Migrant care workers are the backbone of health and long-term care systems worldwide, yet they face systemic exploitation, discrimination, and unsafe working conditions, according to a new report released today by UNI Global Union, “Migrant Care Workers: Building Worker Power and Promoting Rights.”
The report reveals that migrant workers are essential to addressing the global care crisis, driven by aging populations, chronic understaffing, and underinvestment, yet the very systems that rely on them are failing to protect them.
“Migrant care workers are not disposable labour, they are essential to the functioning of our societies,” said Alan Sable, Head of Care at UNI Global Union. “This report shows that when workers have a voice through unions and collective bargaining, we can raise standards across the entire care sector. Governments must move away from exploitative migration models and commit to rights-based systems that value care work and the people who provide it.”
Drawing on a global survey of more than 1,000 migrant care workers across 80 countries, the findings paint a stark picture:
62% of migrant care workers are dissatisfied with their pay and benefits
Over half report experiencing workplace discrimination
Many face unsafe conditions, chronic understaffing, and harassment linked to their migration status
Across every stage of migration—from recruitment to employment—workers are exposed to risks including excessive recruitment fees, employer-tied visas, deskilling, and limited access to justice.
The report highlights how current migration systems, including bilateral labour migration agreements, often prioritize labour supply over worker rights. These agreements frequently lack safeguards such as fair recruitment standards, pathways to permanent residency, and meaningful worker representation.
Rather than protecting workers, these systems “actively structure precarity and vulnerability,” the report finds.
Despite these challenges, the report highlights the need to strengthen union organizing in countries of origin so care workers can secure decent work and, at home, aren’t pushed into distressed migration. When migrant care workers organize and build collective power, transformative change is possible.
Case studies from countries including Australia, the United States, Ghana, and New Zealand demonstrate that union-led organizing can secure higher wages, safer working conditions, and stronger migration protections—while also improving the quality of care.
The report comes ahead of the 2026 International Migration Review Forum, where governments will assess progress on global migration governance.
UNI Global Union is calling for urgent reforms, including:
Decoupling visas from employers to reduce exploitation
Establishing clear pathways to permanent residency
Enforcing fair recruitment practices and banning worker-paid fees
Embedding unions and social dialogue into migration policymaking
Investing in sustainable care systems with decent wages and conditions
Without these changes, the report warns, the global care crisis will deepen, undermining both worker rights and the quality of care.
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WFTU Statement on the World Day for Safety and Health at Work
by WFTU HQ, 28 Apr 2026
The World Federation of Trade Unions, the militant voice of more than 105 million workers across the globe, reaffirms its commitment to the struggle for safe and healthy working conditions on the occasion of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
According to the latest international data, nearly 3 million workers worldwide lose their lives every year due to work‑related accidents and diseases, while an estimated 395 million non‑fatal occupational accidents occur annually. This means that every day, 8000 work-related deaths are recorded, including 1,000 workers who go to work to earn a living, and never return home alive to their families. The vast majority of these incidents are caused by the lack of adequate health and safety measures in the workplace and could have been prevented. Yet millions of workers continue to work in hazardous conditions and are sacrificed for the sake of profit, as protective measures are often ignored and dismissed as costs that undermine profitability.
The class‑oriented trade union movement expresses its internationalist solidarity with workers around the world who are suffering the criminal consequences of inadequate protective health and safety measures. The WFTU firmly reiterates that health and safety are not privileges, and every worker has the fundamental right to return home unharmed at the end of the working day.
We reiterate our firm demand that governments, employers, and international bodies prioritize workers’ health and safety, enforce strict safety standards, and ensure that all violations are met with full accountability.
The WFTU calls upon class‑oriented trade unions across the world to intensify their struggle for adequate health and safety measures in every aspect of workers’ lives. The trade unions have a key role to play in monitoring and ensuring the implementation of health and safety measures in the workplace, and we demand that trade unions be involved and included in the processes of reporting and investigating work‑related accidents and the exemplary punishment of those responsible.
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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