Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin, 28 November 2025 #Cosatu40 #Cosatu40thAnniversary
Norman Mampane
|
COSATU TODAY #COSATU scheduled to hold #CosatuGolfDay at Johannesburg Country Club, Woodmead on December 4 #Cosatu40 #VioletSeboniBrigade #Cosatu40thAnniversary #Cosatu scheduled to hold its 40th Anniversary at Dobsonville, Soweto on December 6 #Cosatu@40 #Cosatu40thAnniversary #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
28 November 2025
“Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism”
Organize at every workplace and demand respect for labour rights Now!
Defend Jobs Now!
Join COSATU NOW!
Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- POPCRU supports the upcoming COSATU 40th Anniversary Rally
- SAEPU commemorates COSATU’s 40 years of unbroken struggle for workers' rights
- SAMWU Koena Ramotlou Region Statement on the Regional March of 27 November 2025
- Swinging for Dignity: COSATU and President Ramaphosa Tee Off for a Cause
- Applications for media accreditation to cover COSATU 40th Anniversary rally officially opened
- South Africa
- COSATU post-CEC statement
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- NEHAWU reiterates its unwavering solidarity with the People of Palestine on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with Palestine
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
POPCRU supports the upcoming COSATU 40th Anniversary Rally
Richard Mamabolo, POPCRU National Spokesperson, 28 November 2025
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) proudly aligns itself with millions of workers across South Africa and beyond in support of the historic 40th Anniversary of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), which will be commemorated on 6 December 2025 at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto. This milestone represents not merely a celebration of longevity, but a profound moment of reflection on four decades of sacrifice, struggle and victories by the organised working class under extremely difficult conditions.
For POPCRU, as a revolutionary affiliate of COSATU, this anniversary carries deep historical and political significance. COSATU has never been just a federation of trade unions. It has been a central pillar of resistance, a voice for the voiceless and a force that helped shift the balance of power during the darkest years of apartheid. At a time when workers were exploited, brutalised and denied basic human rights, COSATU mobilised the working class into a powerful formation that challenged both economic and political oppression. For our members within the criminal justice cluster, this legacy is especially meaningful. These were institutions that had been used as tools of repression, yet through struggle, organisation and transformation, workers within these sectors found their voice, their dignity and their place in the democratic labour movement.
As we celebrate this 40-year milestone, it is important to recall that COSATU’s formation in 1985 was not only an organisational act but a revolutionary intervention in the history of our country. It emerged under conditions of bans, detentions, killings and political persecution, yet it stood its ground. Over the subsequent years, COSATU became a critical force in shaping South Africa’s democratic transition while simultaneously advancing the socio-economic rights of workers. It helped entrench worker rights in the Constitution and in labour legislation, ensured the strengthening of collective bargaining, and played a major role in pushing for policies aimed at reducing inequality and expanding access to basic services for the poor and working class.
However, this celebration also takes place within a difficult socio-economic context that demands sober reflection. Forty years later, workers are still faced with the harsh realities of unemployment, rising living costs, deep inequality, attacks on collective bargaining, job insecurity and the increasing casualisation of labour. In the public sector, where our members serve daily in dangerous and under-resourced environments, these challenges are compounded by budget cuts, capacity constraints and declining service delivery in certain areas. Yet despite these pressures, COSATU continues to stand firm as an organised voice that defends workers from attacks against their rights while pushing for a more just and inclusive economic path.
While the challenges remain persistent and, in some cases, more complex, the achievements of COSATU over the past four decades cannot be ignored. From protecting workers against unfair labour practices to strengthening organisational rights in the workplace, from opposing corruption and state capture to defending the developmental role of the state and public services, COSATU has remained a consistent force in shaping public discourse and policy direction. For POPCRU, the impact of these gains has been directly felt through the improved recognition of police and correctional services workers as organised workers with rights, representation and a legitimate voice in shaping their working conditions.
As POPCRU, we believe the 40th Anniversary of COSATU must not only serve as a commemoration of the past but as a platform to reimagine and renew the future of the working-class movement. We envision a COSATU that remains united, militant, worker-controlled and ideologically clear in defending the interests of the working class against exploitation in all its forms. We envision a federation that continues to be a home for young workers, for women workers, and for all those on the margins of the formal economy, while adapting to the changing nature of work brought about by technology and economic shifts.
It is within this spirit that we call on all POPCRU members, COSATU affiliates, alliance partners and the broader working class to fully participate in and support the 40th Anniversary celebrations at Dobsonville Stadium. This gathering is not simply ceremonial. It is a moment for workers to come together, to reaffirm unity, to take stock of the current struggles and to recommit themselves to the long-term project of building a just, equal and socially transformed society rooted in working-class power.
COSATU at 40 stands as a living testament to what workers can achieve when they are organised, conscious and united around a common vision. POPCRU remains firmly committed to this path and we stand shoulder to shoulder with COSATU in this historic moment and in the struggles that lie ahead.
Issued by POPCRU
_______________________
SAEPU commemorates COSATU’s 40 years of unbroken struggle for workers' rights
Mpho Mpogeng, SAEPU President, 28 November 2025
The South African Emergency Personnel’s Union (SAEPU) congratulates COSATU on 40 years of championing workers' rights and social justice. We acknowledge your unwavering commitment to improving the lives of workers and pushing for a more equitable society.
From the fight against apartheid to the current struggles for fair wages and better working conditions, COSATU’s legacy is one of resilience and determination.
We salute the courageous men and women who have led and participated in the labour movement over the years. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we are inspired by your dedication to creating a better South Africa for all.
As SAEPU, we recognise the vital role that COSATU has played in shaping the country’s history and continuing to shape its future.
As we mark this important anniversary, SAEPU reaffirms its solidarity with COSATU and the broader movement. We are proud to stand alongside COSATU in the fight for workers’ rights and social justice.
Together we will continue to strive for a society that values the dignity of work and the well-being of workers and rejects the exploitation and oppression that has held our people back for far too long.
SAEPU calls on all workers, trade unionists and social justice activists to join us in celebrating 40 years of COSATU’s tireless efforts to improve the lives of workers. Come and join us at Dobsonville stadium on the 6th of December 2025 as we mark this momentous occasion and celebrate the Federation’s achievements.
Let us unite in solidarity and recommit ourselves to the struggle for workers' rights and social justice.
The Struggle Continues!
END
Issued by SAEPU
______________________
SAMWU
Koena Ramotlou Region Statement on the Regional March of 27 November 2025
Tshephang
Langa, SAMWU Koena Ramotlou Regional Secretary, 28 November 2025
The
South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) in Koena Ramotlou Region embarked on a peaceful, watershed Regional March to the City of Ekurhuleni on the 27th November 2025. SAMWU being a recognized majority union in the city has been consistently raising
issues of workers for a number of years in the Local Labour Forum, Bilateral Meetings and through various correspondences to the City Management without any appetite from Management to resolve workers’ issues.
SAMWU being a worker-controlled union on the Shopfloor by its Membership within the length and breadth of Ekurhuleni engaged on various depots/departmental meetings, General Meetings, Regional Executive Committee Meetings and Regional Shopstewards Council Meetings
which unanimously resolved to consolidate a list of demands that must be submitted to the employer as follows:
Monetary issues:
1. Encashment of Leave Days
2. payment of Acting Allowances
3. Compensation of covid-19 allowance.
4. Non-payment & Increament of funeral service assistance to the maximum (subject to 3 X Quotations)
5. Implementation of Gauteng conditions Arbitration award
6. Adjustment of salary disparities
7. Rank Promotion
8. Danger Allowance
9. Separation of Bonus from Normal Salary
Burning Issues:
10. Stop the formation of Business units .
11. Insourcing of cleaners and Security Guards .
12. Serviced stands for Municipal Workers.
13. Urgent Provision of PPE and Tools of Trade
14. Decentralisation of PPE to depots
15. Appointment of 140 DEMS Reservists
16. conversion of Traffic wardens to Metro Police and pass out parade
17. Stop over-reliance on contracted services and insource all outsourced services which are nontechnical such as Waste Removal, inclusive of all contracts in Parks, SRAC and Roads et al.
18. Stop the unilateral changes of working conditions/hours by COE
19. Repairs and Maintenance of fleet & facilities
20. Filling of Vacant Positions
21. Stop Victimisation of SAMWU Members and Shopstewards
22. Transparency on recruitment and selection of senior Management and the inclusion of SAMWU in recruitment and selection of senior Management (DH level etc).
23. Alignment of the Political-Administrative interference in Administrative Matters
24. Scrap experience on entry level posts
25. Bursaries be provided
26. Non-sitting of Grievances, non-implementation of Arbitration and Labour court Awards.
ERWAT Matters:
27. Restructuring of Grades
28. payment of Risk Allowance
29. correct payment of shift workers on overtime worked
30. Quality provision of PPE and consumables
SAMWU being a progressive and sober Trade-union of choice in the Local Government sector submitted the Memorandum of the list of demands as part of its inherent positive roles, with a proper comprehension and appreciation of the constitutional imperatives of
the City in terms of the South African Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (constitution), 1996, specifically section 152 (1) (b) that outlines one of the objects of Local Government being to ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable
manner.
The City of Ekurhuleni needs to respond positively to SAMWU’s demands which are not antagonistic to the rationale behind the creation of Local Government and in the main assists the Municipality to have the necessary human capital and capacity to give effect
to the provisions of the Constitution in section 153 (a) that requires a Municipality to structure and manage its administration and budgeting and planning processes to give priority to the basic needs of the community and to promote the social and economic
development of the community. Infact our members in their own right are residents of the city, rate payers and are members of the community, before they can be classified as workers and have the best interests of the Municipality at heart.
SAMWU gave the employer fourteen (14) working days to formally and comprehensively respond to the Memorandum of the list of demands submitted with tangible commitments, inline with the Smart principle (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant & time-bound).
Organisational Rights Ruling under the auspices of the CCMA under case number: GAEK11982-23
SAMWU Koena Ramotlou Region has noted with dismay the ruling of the CCMA under case number: GAEK11982-23, which involves Organisational rights. The ROB Collective through the Office of the Regional Secretary has given attorneys instructions to urgently stay
the enforcement/implementation of the Award and review the Arbitration Award at the Labour Court in terms of the LRA, section 145.
The legal rationale behind the position of SAMWU is informed by the plethora of irregularities which happened during the proceedings in the CCMA that shall be ventilated at the correct time and space in the appropriate dispute resolution chamber: Labour Court
as the matter is sub judice.
“SAMWU remains the only hope of Municipal Workers and shall continue to defend its members and the working class in general against any form of exploitation”
END//
Issued by: SAMWU Koena Ramotlou Region
_______________________________
Swinging for Dignity: COSATU and President Ramaphosa Tee Off for a Cause
Zanele Sabela, COSATU National Spokesperson, 24 November 2025
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is thrilled to announce its second annual Charity Golf Challenge, an inspiring event where labour, business and government unite on the green for a great cause. Members of the media are warmly invited to attend and cover this unique blend of sport, leadership and social impact.
This flagship initiative is more than a Corporate Social Investment project — it is a powerful demonstration of COSATU’s unwavering commitment to social justice and restoring dignity in communities beyond the workplace.
In a true celebration of Ubuntu, President Cyril Ramaphosa will join COSATU leaders, government departments and business partners on the golf course to help raise funds for its activities, school shoes and sanitary packs for underprivileged learners. Every swing will contribute to changing a child’s school experience and supporting their confidence and wellbeing.
Join us for a remarkable day of purpose-driven play:
COSATU Charity Golf Challenge
- Date: Thursday, 04 December 2025
- Presidential Tee off: 10:40
- Participants Tee off: 11:00 (Shotgun Start)
- Venue: Country Club Johannesburg (CCJ Woodmead)
The challenge will be followed by an elegant Gala Dinner at 18.30, where the day’s achievements will be celebrated and partners honoured.
Members of the media wishing to attend are invited to send their details to non...@cosatu.org.za
Issued by COSATU
_________________________
Applications for media accreditation to cover COSATU 40th Anniversary rally officially opened
Zanele Sabela, COSATU National Spokesperson,10 November 2025
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) invites all members of the media to apply for accreditation to attend and cover the Federation’s historic 40th Anniversary rally. This momentous event is scheduled to take place on 6 December at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.
COSATU was launched on 1 December 1985, at the height of the struggle against apartheid. Its formation brought together 33 competing unions and federations that were opposed to apartheid but committed to a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa.
Alliance partners, local and international guests have been invited to celebrate 40 years of this vibrant movement advancing, defending and protecting the interests and rights of workers and the working class in South Africa and beyond.
Applications for accreditation may be submitted to mam...@cosatu.org.za or non...@cosatu.org.za with the following details:
Name:
Surname:
ID number:
Media House/Address:
Contact number/email:
Alternatively, an application form can be completed via this link:
COSATU 40th Anniversary Media Accreditation Application Form – Fill out form
Issued by COSATU
Zanele Sabela (National Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: zan...@cosatu.org.za
COSATU post-CEC statement
Solly Phetoe, COSATU General Secretary, 28 November 2025
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) held its final ordinary Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting for the year at a critical time with the G20 having just concluded, the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement being tabled at Parliament, and COSATU set to host its annual Charity Golf Challenge with President Cyril Ramaphosa in attendance on 4 December, and its 40th anniversary celebrations on 6 December at Dobsonville Stadium, Soweto.
The CEC commended the Presidency, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, and the entire government led by the African National Congress on a job well done in hosting the first G20 Summit on African soil. COSATU was encouraged by the support and solidarity displayed by countries from both the global South and North, making the summit a victory for multilateralism, political maturity and meaningful dialogue to seek solutions for the myriad challenges facing the world.
The CEC committed itself to taking forward the developmental outcomes of the G20, whose foundation was laid at preceding summits in Brazil, India and Indonesia. This year’s G20 Summit theme of Solidarity, Inequality and Sustainability spoke directly to the struggles of billions of workers across the world as they battle high rates of unemployment, entrenched poverty and inequality, and the perilous impact of climate change.
The Federation is, however, deeply disappointed that following the successful summit the statement by the United States administration alleging falsehoods about South Africa to justify punitive measures despite the country’s efforts to reset relations.
The CEC’s timing also coincided with the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, closely following President Cyril Ramaphosa declaring gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster. COSATU welcomes this move as we have been advocating for it for years having seen the devastating impact of the scourge, in addition to heeding the voices of thousands of women who took to the streets last Friday, unequivocally declaring – enough is enough. However, it is critical that along with declaring this blot on our society a disaster, government must avail the resources needed to eradicate this scourge.
The tabling of the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement in Parliament early this month reaffirmed government’s ill-considered commitment to continuing along the path of failed neoliberal austerity that has seen the economy stagnate at 1% growth rate since 2008, resulting in a staggering unemployment rate of 42.4%. Whilst we welcome recent positive developments including South Africa’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force’ grey list, the addition of 248 000 new jobs in the third quarter, and a rise in the projected growth rate to 1.8% in the next three years, COSATU remains concerned that government is overly focused on cutting expenditure, debt and the deficit. This fixation, however, will not deliver the 3% economic growth needed for job creation.
COSATU will continue its opposition to government’s neoliberal trajectory to ensure it hires more teachers, nurses, doctors, police and provides the resources they need to do their jobs properly. While we acknowledge the progress at Eskom and the work underway at Transnet and Metro Rail, COSATU believes much more needs to be done to arrest the collapse of municipal and public services.
The Federation noted the lowering of the inflation target to 3%. While acknowledging that inflation impacts workers the most as their wages fail to keep pace with the rising cost of living, COSATU is worried that the cuts in the repo rate we have enjoyed in recent times will become rare and deny hugely indebted South Africans much needed relief. The Federation feels strongly that the core drivers of inflation including the international price of oil and its impact on fuel price along with Eskom’s dependence on double-digit tariff hikes must be addressed.
As we look forward to the 2026 Local Government Elections, the CEC reaffirmed the Central Committee’s resolutions to safeguard the unity of COSATU even as it seeks to kickstart a process towards convening an Alliance Political Commission, to develop and adopt modalities through which both the ANC and the SACP can contest next year’s poll, given the SACP’s 5th Special National Congress resolution to enter the fray independently.
The CEC also affirmed the Central Committee’s resolution in support of the call to convene a Conference of the Left, a stance shared by its ally, the SACP. COSATU will also intensify its political and ideological training with a specific focus on workers.
The Federation also resolved to mobilise society against deindustrialisation and the neoliberal agenda. The need to continue pushing for the implementation of the National Health Insurance was also highlighted.
On the Two-Pot pension system, the CEC resolved the Federation should continue to demand that the high levels of tax placing unbearable pressures upon struggling workers be reduced. Easing the tax burden on lower-income workers is a key part of COSATU proposed reforms along with ensuring workers who lose their jobs are able to access their full savings and allow workers access to greater relief from their vested pot.
COSATU Affiliates were urged to hold errant employers who default on paying workers’ pension contributions to account and take them to court where necessary. This as the number of defaulting employers has more than doubled from 7 700 last year to 15 500 this year according to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. This is nothing less than a criminal offence and must be treated as such. COSATU is engaging with the Department of Employment and Labour to mobilise Labour Inspectors to include pension fund payment compliance.
The CEC also resolved to convene a Retirement Conference in the first quarter of 2026 as part of our campaign for comprehensive social security.
COSATU also committed to intensify the fight to not only ensure the SRD Grant keeps up with inflation but to raise it to the poverty line as a foundation to the implementation of the long-sought Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG).
The Federation will resuscitate its anti-corruption campaign given the siphoning off of R2 billion from Tembisa Hospital and the deeply worrying revelations arising out the Madlanga Commission as well as the Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Committee.
The CEC resolved to hold its national May Day commemoration in the province of Limpopo which has produced many stalwarts of the Federation and workers’ struggles, including John Nkadimeng and Mark Shope.
COSATU will continue to provide support to unions as they push back on planned retrenchments including working closely with our affiliates, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) at Glencore and the South African Municipal Workers as it tackles the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on the handling of workers in the Community Works Programme.
The Federation commends its affiliate the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) for having waged a relentless struggle to permanently appoint Community Healthcare Workers (CHWs) into the public service and won. This ends the expended exploitation of these crucial workers who are the backbone of the health system, particularly in communities that are far from hospitals and clinics. It is a decisive victory for the Federation’s call for decent work.
COSATU is proud to have guided and assisted the South African Domestic Service and Allied Workers Union (SADSAWU) and South African Taxi Drivers Workers Union (SATDWU) through the very difficult registration process with the Registrar of Labour Relations. These unions represent workers who are counted amongst the most vulnerable and are set to improve the lives of millions as they fight to advance and defend their rights. This is a major milestone towards protecting these vulnerable workers.
COSATU congratulates the General Secretary of its Affiliate, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU), Dr Mugwena Maluleke on his appointment as acting chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board. We are confident that with him at the helm, NSFAS will resolve many of the challenges students and tertiary institutions have experienced.
The Federation welcomes new national leaders at the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) including 2nd Deputy President Sipho Nkambule, General Secretary Xolani Prusente and 1st Deputy General Secretary Phuthi Mabotja. We wish them well and assure them of COSATU’s support.
COSATU congratulates its founding Affiliates the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) and the NUM as they celebrate milestone anniversaries. Founded in 1975, SACCAWU celebrated its 50th anniversary on 18 November with an auspicious gala dinner. NUM is set to celebrate its 43rd anniversary on 4 December. The Federation pays homage to these giant trade unions who were critical to its formation in 1985 and have remained loyal throughout. We are proud of how they have led the struggles to improve the working conditions and lives of millions of mining, construction, electricity, retail, hospitality, catering and other exploited workers.
At COP 30 in Belem, Brazil the Federation reaffirmed that there can be no climate justice without social justice and no Just Transition without workers’ needs placed at the centre. The demands put forward included protection of existing jobs, creation of new decent jobs, guaranteed income support, retraining and reskilling of workers and strengthened public services, local economies and community resilience.
On the international front, the CEC celebrated the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Angolan independence and its heroic role in the defeat of the apartheid regime; the importance of regional stability and cohesion in SADC and the continent in becoming a viable, self-reliant industrial and economic bloc.
Concern was also raised on the arrival of a plane with Palestinians without documentation or due protocol. The CEC called for an international investigation into this incident.
COSATU looks forward to celebrating its historic milestone of 40 years of existence with the people who made it what it is – the workers – on 6 December at Dobsonville Stadium.
Gates are set to open at 7.30am.
In the lead up to the anniversary celebration, COSATU will host its second annual Charity Golf Challenge to not only raise funds for its activities but also to donate school shoes and sanitary products to underprivileged children.
Issued by COSATU
International-Solidarity
NEHAWU reiterates its unwavering solidarity with the People of Palestine on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with Palestine
Zola Saphetha, NEHAWU General Secretary, November 28, 2025
"We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians" - Nelson Mandela
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] reiterates its unwavering solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with Palestine.
The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is observed annually on the 29th November in line with the United Nations resolution 32/40B to provide Solidarity support with the People of Palestine.
Indeed, the struggle for the freedom of Palestinians is part our collective struggles as progressives across the world. It is 77 years since the Nakba Day, which saw a cleansing of Palestinians and the destruction of hundreds of homes, towns and villages to create the state of Israel. Since 1948, the world has witnessed the barbarity of the state of Israel with the atrocious killing of innocent Palestinian People by the Israeli military.
We observe this day against the background of continued violent attacks on Gaza by the Apartheid Israel military. The continued genocide, repression and killing of innocent Palestinians especially women, men and children must stop. The Israeli regime has continued with their killing and illegal blockade of humanitarian aid entering in Gaza and this has persisted even though a ceasefire agreement was signed on 10th of October 2025.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, Amnesty International reports that at least 347 people, including 136 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire agreement. This complete disregard for human life and human rights by the Israeli government. Israel continues to violate all principles of international law by intentionally killing and injuring innocent civilians.
As NEHAWU, we remain steadfast and resolute in solidarity with the People of Palestine for an end of the illegal occupation, killings, and human rights violations.
In this regard, we continue to call for:
• An Independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital
• Israel end the occupation and dismantle the apartheid wall, which contravenes international law
• A universal right of return for Palestinian refugees
• Full equality for Palestinians
• An end to the colonial settler expansionism of Israel
• Stop all forms of human rights violations
Lastly, we reiterate our unwavering Solidarity with the People of Palestine.
END
Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat.
______________________________
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