Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin, 30 March 2026 #CosatuGreenIndustrialisationSummit
Norman Mampane
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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
30 March 2026
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- COSATU applauds SACCAWU’s victory over Massmart
- South Africa
- NYDA calls for youth-centred economic response
- International
- South African Communist Party Statement of condolences to families of victims of Colombian military air crash
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics #ClassWar
COSATU applauds SACCAWU’s victory over Massmart
30 March 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) congratulates its formidable Affiliate, the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) on dealing a massive blow to Massmart’s uncaring management at the apex court.
The Constitutional Court found in favour of the 51-year-old union in the case that originated from a strike in 2021. SACCAWU members at Massmart downed tools following failed wage negotiations, during which the Walmart subsidiary refused to put an opening offer on the table but simultaneously demanded that SACCAWU lower its demands.
As this was a protected strike, a Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) Commissioner drew up the picketing rules and designated specific spaces for picketing. Massmart subsequently approached the Labour Court and sued SACCAWU for damages to the tune of R9.4 million, alleging workers had violated the picketing rules, blocked entrances to its shops thereby causing it to lose revenue and damaged property.
The Labour Court ruled in favour of Massmart, ordering SACCAWU to pay damages but SACCAWU appealed the ruling at the Labour Appeal Court. The Appeal Court concurred with the lower court, prompting SACCAWU to approach the Constitutional Court.
In a majority ruling last Wednesday, the Constitutional Court found that Massmart had relied on Section 68 of the Labour Relations Act (LRA) to justify its claim for damages. The section empowers the court to issue an order for just and equitable compensation for loss suffered because of an unprotected strike. However, SACCAWU argued that the Labour Court had no authority to order the compensation because the strike in question was protected. The Constitutional Court agreed and ruled in SACCAWU’s favour.
COSATU commends SACCAWU for having stood its ground and taken the case all the way to the highest court in the land. By so doing it has proven to Massmart and its parent company, Walmart, that it will not cower to union bashing and that it is willing to do everything in its power to protect the rights of workers. COSATU commits to always supporting its Affiliates as they continue to fight for and defend the rights of workers.
Issued by COSATU
Zanele Sabela (COSATU Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: zan...@cosatu.org.za
South Africa #ClassSolidarity
NYDA calls for youth-centred economic response
27 Mar 2026
NYDA calls for a youth-centred economic response amid rising global uncertainty and domestic constraints
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) notes the latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision by the South African Reserve Bank to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.75 per cent, against a backdrop of heightened global uncertainty and emerging economic risks.
The MPC highlighted that the recent outbreak of conflict in the Middle East has caused a significant global supply shock, leading to higher prices for oil, gas, and fertilisers while dampening global growth prospects. These developments are expected to push inflation upwards in the short term, while also limiting economic activity.
Domestically, although economic growth has shown modest improvement with output increasing by 1.1 per cent in 2025, it remains well below the levels needed to tackle the country’s structural challenges, especially youth unemployment. The NYDA emphasises that the current growth trajectory is not sufficiently inclusive and continues to exclude large segments of young people from meaningful economic participation.
Inflation remains contained at around 3 per cent but is expected to rise temporarily due to higher energy prices, with fuel inflation projected to increase sharply in the coming months. While this reflects external cost pressures, it will have direct consequences for young people, particularly through rising transport and food costs, which disproportionately affect low-income households.
The decision to keep interest rates steady reflects a cautious approach to monetary policy amid these uncertainties. However, the NYDA warns that monetary policy alone cannot address the structural challenges facing the South African economy. Notably, the combination of weak economic growth, rising costs, and limited employment prospects risks further deepening the socio-economic vulnerabilities of young people.
From a developmental perspective, the current economic environment underscores the necessity for a more coordinated and growth-oriented policy response. Supply-side shocks, such as those caused by global conflicts, cannot be resolved solely through interest rate adjustments. Instead, they require complementary fiscal, industrial, and social policy interventions that strengthen domestic resilience and expand productive capacity.
The NYDA therefore calls for:
Accelerated public investment, particularly in infrastructure and sectors with strong employment potential.
Targeted support for youth-owned enterprises to mitigate the impact of rising input and operating costs.
Strengthening of programmes that provide work experience, skills development, and pathways into the labour market.
Greater alignment between macroeconomic policy and youth development objectives.
The NYDA further emphasises that South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis is structural and requires deliberate policy action that goes beyond short-term stabilisation. Economic recovery must be measured not only by inflation outcomes, but by the extent to which it creates jobs, supports enterprise development, and improves the economic participation of young people.
The NYDA remains committed to advancing evidence-based policy solutions that place youth at the centre of South Africa’s economic response and long-term development trajectory.
For
Media Enquiries:
Email: MediaEn...@NYDA.gov.za
Issued by National Youth Development Agency
International-Solidarity
South African Communist Party Statement of condolences to families of victims of Colombian military air crash
Mbulelo Mandlana, SACP Head of Media, Communications and Information, 25 March 2026
The South African Communist Party (SACP) conveys its message of heartfelt condolences to the families of the 69 people who died after a military plane crashed in the south of the country on Monday. We also send our condolences to the Colombian government and the nation for the loss and wish speedy recovery for the 57 who have been injured.
We also appreciate the efforts of all those who were involved in the search and rescue efforts since the crash and support investigative efforts being undertaken by the Colombian authorities to determine the cause of the crash.
ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNIST PARTY,
FOUNDED IN 1921 AS THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Media, Communications & Information Department | MCID
______________________________
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