Taking COSATU Today Forward, 7 November 2025 #Cosatu@40 #Cosatu40thAnniversary
Norman Mampane
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COSATU TODAY #CosatuFeministSchool concludes its business at Boksburg… #GenderEquality…. #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
‘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
7 November 2025
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- NEHAWU KZN calls for the dissolution of Umgeni-uThukela Water Board
- COSATU to host lectures in the lead up to 40th anniversary
- South Africa
- Treasury on appointment of Mr Lebogang Paul Mogashoa as Pension Funds Adjudicator
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- The WFTU on the 108th Anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution
- Two workers killed and eight injured in Basra oil pipeline fire
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
NEHAWU
KZN calls for the dissolution of Umgeni-uThukela Water Board
Ayanda Zulu, NEHAWU KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Secretary, November 06, 2025
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] in KwaZulu-Natal has noted with grave concern the deepening crisis, maladministration, and total collapse of governance at Umgeni-uThukela Water.
Over
the past few months, this critical public entity has dominated headlines for all the wrong reasons, signalling a disturbing decline in ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability.
It has now become clear that the current Board of Directors has failed dismally in its fiduciary and governance responsibilities.
The
recent revelations of the exorbitant meeting fees that the Board irregularly awarded themselves without the requisite approval from the Minister of Water and Sanitation are but one example of the culture of impunity that has taken root within Umgeni-uThukela
Water. Equally worrying are the continued reports of corruption, maladministration, and blatant interference by the Board in the day-to-day operational affairs of management, which undermines the very principles of corporate governance and accountability.
This pattern of behaviour exposes a Board that is neither fit nor proper to execute its oversight mandate. Instead of steering the organisation towards stability and efficiency, the Board has become a source of instability, conflict, and ethical decay. It is
against this backdrop that NEHAWU calls upon the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms. Pemmy Majodina, to take decisive action by immediately dissolving the current Board of Directors and putting in place an interim structure capable of restoring good governance
and operational integrity.
Furthermore, NEHAWU demands that the minister must institute a comprehensive forensic investigation into all acts of wrongdoing, maladministration, and corruption at Umgeni-uThukela Water. This investigation must thoroughly probe the conduct of both the Board
and senior management officials who may have been complicit in these unethical practices. The findings of such an investigation must be made public, and those found guilty of wrongdoing must face the full might of the law.
We reiterate that decisive action must be taken against certain members of the senior management of Umngeni-uThukela Water who have engaged in frivolous, vindictive, and wasteful litigation designed to settle personal scores and purge one another from positions
of authority. The recent judgment of the High Court of South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal Division, Pietermaritzburg), which declared the precautionary suspension of the Chief Governance and Compliance Officer unlawful and ordered the entity to pay costs on Scale
C, lays bare the reckless and self-serving conduct of those responsible. Such conduct has not only tarnished the reputation of Umngeni-uThukela Water but has also resulted in significant financial losses through unnecessary legal costs.
As the majority union at Umgeni-uThukela Water, NEHAWU will leave no stone unturned in its quest to ensure that this institution is rescued from the brink of collapse. We will continue to defend the rights and interests of our members, while also safeguarding
the integrity of this vital public utility, which plays a central role in ensuring water security for millions of South Africans.
In the coming weeks, NEHAWU will be convening a series of meetings with members across all sites of Umgeni-uThukela Water to map a way forward. Our members are deeply concerned about the instability and leadership vacuum created by the current Board’s actions.
Through collective action and principled leadership, we will strive to restore stability, accountability, and good governance within the organisation.
We therefore reiterate our call for the immediate dissolution of the current Board, the appointment of competent and ethical leadership, and the urgent forensic audit of all financial and governance irregularities that have taken place.
END
Issued by NEHAWU KwaZulu-Natal Secretariat Office
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COSATU to host lectures in the lead up to 40th anniversary
Zanele Sabela, COSATU National Spokesperson, 25 September 2025
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is set the host a series of lectures in the lead up to its 40th anniversary celebration at Dobsonville Stadium on 6 December.
The culmination of four years of unity talks, COSATU came into being on 1 December 1985, and brought together 33 competing unions and federations opposed to apartheid and whose common goal was to bring about a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society.
The Federation has been at the forefront of advancing, defending and protecting the interests and rights of workers since, and has led in the formation of the country’s progressive labour laws including workers’ rights to form trade unions, collective bargaining and to strike, minimum conditions of service, National Minimum Wage, etc.
From its vehement resistance of apartheid to the ushering in of the democratic dispensation and improving the economic and social wellbeing of the working class 31 years post democracy, COSATU has stood the test of time.
In the lead up to its 40th anniversary in December, the Federation will host a variety of activities starting with a series of lectures by its National Office Bearers.
The lectures will tackle diverse subjects from COSATU’s pivotal role in gender struggles to the strike that broke the back of industry-wide exploitative labour practices as far back as 1959.
Province:
North-West
Date:
19 November
Topic: Strengthening Industrial Unions to build a militant COSATU
Main Speaker: Duncan Luvuno, COSATU 2nd Deputy President
Province:
Eastern Cape
Date:
20 November
Topic: COSATU and the Reconfiguration of the Alliance
Main Speaker: Mike Shingange, COSATU 1st Deputy President
Province:
Gauteng
Date:
21 November
Topic: COSATU and the Mass Democratic Movement
Main Speaker: Zingiswa Losi, COSATU President
Issued by COSATU
Treasury on appointment of Mr Lebogang Paul Mogashoa as Pension Funds Adjudicator
05 Nov 2025
The Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana, has, in terms of section 30C(1) read with section 30C(3) of the Pension Funds Act, 1956 (Act 24 of 1956 – ‘PF Act’), appointed Mr Lebogang Paul Mogashoa as the Pension Funds Adjudicator for the Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA). The appointment is for a period of three (3) years, effective 8 December 2025.
The OPFA is a Schedule 3A public entity in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act 1 of 1999 – ‘PFMA’). The OPFA was established as a statutory ombud scheme in terms of section 30B of the PF Act, providing a platform for resolving disputes between pension fund members and funds, ensuring that the rights and interests of the public are protected. The OPFA's primary role is to investigate and determine complaints related to pension funds, as outlined in the PF Act. Additionally, the OPFA handles complaints designated to it under section 211 of the Financial Sector Regulation Act, 2017 (Act 9 of 2017 – ‘FSRA’), further promoting accountability and fairness within the pension funds industry.
Mr Mogashoa’s appointment is subject to the provisions of the PF Act, the PFMA, and applicable governance ordinances. As the PFA, he is mandated to establish and perform the functions of the OPFA and implement the duties as set out in the PF Act.
With over 17 years of extensive expertise in pension fund law, governance, management, and administration, Mr Mogashoa brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role. He has held various key positions, most recently serving as the Deputy Principal Executive Officer and Company Secretary of the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund. Prior to this, he served as a Senior Corporate Legal Counsel at the Pension Fund MANCO for the South African Tourism Board. Mr Mogashoa's career began as a Legal Intern at the OPFA, where he rapidly advanced to the role of Senior Assistant Adjudicator, demonstrating his dedication and proficiency in the field. An admitted Advocate, Mr Mogashoa holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Limpopo, a Master of Management (Governance and Management) from the University of Witwatersrand, and a Master of Laws (LLM) in Mercantile Law from the University of Pretoria, among other academic accolades. Additionally, he has completed an Executive Development Programme at the University of Stellenbosch, reinforcing his commitment to ongoing professional development.
Throughout his career within the pension funds sector, Mr Mogashoa has demonstrated strong leadership and strategic insight, particularly in managing high-value litigation. His profound understanding of the pension funds’ legal framework, coupled with his dedication to serving the South African public and all stakeholders, positions him as an ideal candidate to lead the OPFA. As the PFA, Mr Mogashoa is mandated to oversee the OPFA's functions, ensuring that he acts in the best interest of the public and the organisation while avoiding any conflicts of interest. His extensive qualifications and experience in the retirement funds industry affirm his capability to fulfil the responsibilities of this critical role.
The Minister wishes to congratulate and welcome Mr Lebogang Paul Mogashoa on his appointment and wishes him success in this important role. He also extends his sincere thanks to the incumbent PFA, Ms Muvhango Antoinette Lukhaimane, for her outstanding contribution and exceptional leadership in shaping the OPFA's success.
Enquiries:
Media Liaison Officer
Mfuneko Toyana
Cell: 079 507 1490
E-mail: Mfuneko...@treasury.gov.za
Issued by National Treasury
International-Solidarity
The WFTU on the 108th Anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution
BY CENTRAL WFTU, 06 NOV 2025
The World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) honours the 108th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution.
One hundred and eight years ago, the workers and the poor peasants of Russia, led by the courageous and visionary leaders of the working class, brought forth a new dawn for the oppressed. It was a resounding call for equality, an end to exploitation, and the empowerment of the workers. It also laid the foundations for the creation of the world’s first workers’ state.
The principles and values of the October Revolution – internationalism, solidarity, and the leading role of the working class — remain alive and relevant today. In our times, when capitalist crises follow one another and the exploitation of workers intensifies, when poverty, unemployment, and social inequalities deepen, the October Revolution continues to illuminate the path of struggle for all those who produce the wealth of the world.
Today, the monopolies and multinationals accumulate enormous profits, while workers face attacks on wages, collective rights, and freedoms. At the same time, imperialist wars and interventions spread destruction and misery, confirming once again the need for the struggle against imperialism and exploitation.
The WFTU, faithful to the ideals of the October Revolution, continues its militant, class-oriented struggle for the emancipation of the working class and all oppressed peoples. We fight for a world free of exploitation, for peace and social progress. We stand firmly with all workers who resist anti-labor policies, repression, and imperialist aggression.
Even 108 years later, the Great October Socialist Revolution continues to inspire millions of militant workers across the world. Its message is alive in every workplace, in every strike, in every act of resistance and solidarity.
Long live the Great October Socialist Revolution!
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Two workers killed and eight injured in Basra oil pipeline fire
4 November, 2025
A fire at an oil pipeline in Basra, southern Iraq, has killed two workers and injured eight others following a gas leak at the Burjisiya Zubair 1 pumping station operated by the Basra Oil Company. The incident, which occurred within one of Iraq’s largest oil production areas, was reportedly caused by deteriorated equipment in a complex network of pipelines that require regular maintenance, according to initial union reports.
The Iraqi General Federation of Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Unions (IGFOGPU) criticized the government and company management for justifying the accident as an unavoidable event. IGFOGPU called for an investigation into the accident to determine the extent of the company's responsibility, especially given the poor health and safety conditions. In a statement, IGFOGPU said the company must use advanced fire prevention and control methods and train workers to handle this type of fires.
Hassan Juma, IGFOGPU president, said:
"This incident confirms the company's failure to provide adequate health and safety conditions. The ministry should have taken all necessary measures to prevent the accident. We will ensure that the state compensates the workers and their families.
"But the government must also address the root cause of the problem and maintain the pipelines to prevent any future accidents."
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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