Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin, 3 March 2026 #IWD2026
Norman Mampane
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COSATU TODAY COSATU Call Center Contacts: 010 002 2590 #HandsOffIran #HandsOffVenezuela #HandsOffCuba #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
3 March 2026
“Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism”
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- Media Alert: COSATU will present its submission on the Insourcing Bill to Parliament Wednesday, 04 March 2026
- South Africa
- COSATU Gauteng Condemns Tragedy at Ormonde Building Collapse — Demands Accountability and Worker Safety Enforcement
- Government on arrests of Department of Health officials
- Police on declassification of IPID report and Minister’s role
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- ITUC urges immediate ceasefire and renewed peace talks in the Middle East
- Education International condemns military strikes on Iran and attacks on schools
- Mass Protest in Front of the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul in Solidarity with Cuba
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
Media Alert: COSATU will present its submission on the Insourcing Bill to Parliament Wednesday, 04 March 2026
Matthew Parks, COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, 03 March 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) will present its submission on the Insourcing Bill to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee: Public Service and Administration from 10:00 Wednesday 04 March 2026 (Committee Room 1, 90 Plein Street, Parliament).
Issued by COSATU
Matthew Parks (COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator)
Mobile: 082 785 0687
Email: mat...@cosatu.org.za
South Africa #ClassSolidarity
COSATU Gauteng Condemns Tragedy at Ormonde Building Collapse — Demands Accountability and Worker Safety Enforcement
Louisah Modikwe, Gauteng Provincial Secretary, 03 March 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) Gauteng expresses its deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the nine people who tragically lost their lives following the collapse of a two-storey building at Amethyst Business Park in Ormonde, Johannesburg.
At least three survivors have been pulled from the rubble and several others remain missing or injured as search and rescue operations continue.
This tragic incident is not an isolated accident, but a stark symptom of systemic failures in enforcing construction standards, occupational health and safety, and in holding employers and regulatory bodies accountable for compliance. Early reports suggest the structure may not have had approved plans or proper oversight, raising grave concerns about compliance with building regulations and worker safety safeguards.
COSATU Gauteng stands in unwavering solidarity with the victims, their families, and all workers affected by this devastating loss. Workers sell their labour not their lives and no worker should ever be subjected to unsafe conditions or poorly regulated worksites.
We
call on all relevant authorities including the City of Johannesburg, the Department of Employment and Labour, and the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) to:
• Immediately ensure a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the causes of the collapse, including non-compliance with construction and safety laws.
• Hold all parties accountable from employers to inspectors where negligence or regulatory failure is found.
• Strengthen inspection and enforcement capacity across Gauteng’s construction sites to protect workers, residents, and communities.
• Ensure the families of the deceased and injured receive full compensation and support, as stipulated under the
Occupational Health and Safety Act, Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, and all applicable labour legislation.
COSATU Gauteng further reiterates that this tragedy echoes previous collapses such as the fatal building collapse in George where lapses in oversight and employer negligence cost lives.
We demand that lessons be learned and that robust protections be implemented without delay.
Issued by COSATU Gauteng
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Government on arrests of Department of Health officials
02 Mar 2026
Government notes the arrest this morning of three senior officials from the Department of Health in connection with an ongoing investigation into allegations of theft and fraud.
As the matter is under active investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), no further details can be disclosed at this stage.
The fight against corruption remains an apex priority for government as part of its commitment to building a safer, ethical and corruption-free South Africa. This development aligns with the 2026 State of the Nation Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa, in which he underscored the need to intensify efforts against organised crime and systemic corruption, identifying these as critical threats to democracy and economic stability.
Government further emphasises that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and urges the public to allow the investigative and judicial processes to proceed without interference.
Report Corruption: You do not have to give your name when reporting fraud or corruption using:
National Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 701 701 (toll free number)
Email: inte...@publicservicecorruptionhotline.org.za
Media enquiries:
Ms Nomonde Mnukwa , Acting Government Spokesperson
Cell:
083 210 6676
Mr
William Baloyi, Deputy Government Spokesperson
Cell: 083 390 7147
Issued by Government Communications
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Police on declassification of IPID report and Minister’s role
02 Mar 2026
The Ministry of Police notes the various articles circulating online and in the media regarding the declassification of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) report into the Phala Phala matter. This information originated from a written Parliamentary response provided by the Acting Minister, Mr Firoz Cachalia.
Parliamentary questions are posed by Members of Parliament of South Africa and then referred to the relevant departments for reply. In matters relating to policing and oversight, the Minister of Police is responsible for the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the three entities that fall under the Ministry, including IPID. Each entity prepares its own response within its mandate and area of responsibility, and the Minister submits these responses to Parliament on their behalf.
With respect to IPID, it must be emphasised that it is an independent body established in terms of the IPID Act. The Minister does not direct or interfere with IPID investigations or findings. The Minister’s role is strictly defined and limited by legislation to safeguard the Directorate’s independence.
It should also be noted that IPID’s investigation pertained to the conduct of SAPS members, rather than the primary criminal matter of breaking and theft.
In this instance, the report in question was compiled by IPID following the conclusion of its investigation. As the custodian of the report, IPID determined its classification status, consistent with the National Strategic Intelligence Act. The report was declassified on 2 February 2026.
The Parliamentary response further clarifies that IPID reports are not intended for public release and may only be accessed through the appropriate legal channels, subject to applicable restrictions.
Enquiries:
Ms Kamogelo Mogotsi
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Police
Cell: 076 523 0085
Ms
Lizzy Suping
IPID Spokesperson
Issued by South African Police Service
International-Solidarity
ITUC urges immediate ceasefire and renewed peace talks in the Middle East
3 March 2026
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) calls for immediate de-escalation, an end to all military operations, and a return to peaceful negotiations in the Middle East.
“International law must be respected. War is never in the interest of working people. Workers want peace, democracy and decent work, not relentless bombing and retaliatory attacks.”-ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle
“The irresponsible use of military force must stop immediately. Diplomacy, with a strong and coordinated role for the United Nations, is essential to secure a just and lasting peace.”
The ITUC strongly condemns the irresponsible and illegal bombing carried out by Israel and the United States against Iran and calls for an immediate end to these operations. Such actions violate international law, undermine diplomacy and are predictably plunging the region into a wider, devastating war.
The subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, including attacks on Bahrain, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, further endangers civilian lives and deepens instability. Escalation by any side will not bring security, peace or democracy.
The ITUC further calls for:
An immediate ceasefire and full de-escalation by all parties.
Strict respect for international law and the UN Charter.
A renewed commitment to nuclear disarmament and regional security arrangements based on dialogue.
Full respect for freedom of expression, freedom of association and democratic rights across the region.
International law
The ITUC underlines that diplomacy, anchored in international law and supported by effective UN coordination, is critical to building a just and peaceful future for the region. The recent setbacks to mediation efforts, including those facilitated by Oman, are deeply regrettable and must be reversed urgently through renewed commitment to negotiation.
The ITUC is profoundly concerned about the decision of democratic countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom to explicitly support these military operations that violate international law. Some EU countries have expressed support, while expressing concerns over legality. A failure to consistently uphold international law undermines its credibility and threatens peace and security for all.
Workers and their families are always the first to suffer the consequences of war. In Iran, sanctions, a lack of basic democratic rights and regime incompetence have wreaked havoc on the economy. Millions face poverty, insecurity and extremely limited economic prospects. Military escalation will only exacerbate this suffering.
Workers’ rights
The ITUC, its affiliates worldwide and the Global Union Federations have long stood with Iranian workers in their fight for democracy, livelihoods, safety, rights and solidarity. Independent trade unionists in Iran continue to face repression for exercising fundamental freedoms.
Workers’ voices have been sidelined both by authoritarian governance and by the logic of militarisation. A change of regime cannot be imposed by force. The people of Iran itself must decide for themselves who should rule their country. They must have the right to determine their own future, free from external aggression and internal repression.
The ITUC reiterates its solidarity and support for the labour movement, independent unions and the people of Iran. Iranian workers must be at the table to shape their own future.
Luc Triangle added: “Bombs and violence will not achieve democracy. Sustainable peace can only be built on social justice, human rights, democratic participation and decent work.
“The global trade union movement stands in solidarity with working people throughout the region and reaffirms its unwavering belief in peaceful and negotiated solutions to conflict. Peace, democracy and workers’ rights must prevail to deliver lasting security and prosperity for all.”
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Education International condemns military strikes on Iran and attacks on schools
Trade union rights are human rights Democracy, 2 March 2026
Education International (EI) unequivocally condemns the recent United States and Israeli military strikes on Iran, including the bombings that struck two schools — the Shajare Tayyiba elementary school for girls in the southern Iranian town of Minab and another school in Tehran — on 28 February. The attack on the girls’ school in Minab killed at least 150 people, mainly schoolchildren and several teachers, and injured around 100 others, according to local reports.
Children, teachers, and schools must never be military targets. The killing and wounding of students and educators is an intolerable violation of human rights and a grave breach of international humanitarian law.
EI echoes the urgent message of its member organization, the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers Trade Associations (CCITTA), which has strongly denounced these attacks. We join their call for the immediate cessation of all actions that place civilians at risk, and for the unwavering protection of schools as safe spaces for learning.
We join our members in #Iran and
vehemently condemn the bombing of the Shajare Tayyiba Elementary School.
📢
Children and schools must never be military targets. The killing and wounding of students and teachers is a blatant violation of human rights‼️ https://t.co/Nc6guWTrNV
— Education International (@eduint) March 1, 2026
As educators and unionists, we call upon the international community to act urgently to stop and to condemn the use of military force and the targeting of civilian infrastructure, including schools.
Education International will continue to call for respect for the Iranian people to pursue peaceful, democratic solutions for their country and for the respect of their human and labor rights in all instances.
We reaffirm our unwavering support for the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom, dignity, and human rights. Their future must be decided by them—and no one else.
EI will continue to advocate for a peaceful and just world where schools remain places of joy, learning, and growth—never battlegrounds.
For more on our solidarity with Iran, click here.
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Mass Protest in Front of the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul in Solidarity with Cuba
by WFTU HQ, 02 Mar 2026
A mass protest was held in front of the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul by Birleşik Metal-İş Union and Nakliyat-İş Union in order to express solidarity with the Cuban people, who have been resisting the long-standing U.S. blockade and imperialist aggression.
The participants marched to the Consulate with banners reading: “Murderer USA, Hands Off Cuba! The Cuban Working Class and People Are Not Alone!”
The protest was attended by the President of Birleşik Metal-İş and Vice President of DİSK, Özkan Atar, the WFTU Vice President and President of Nakliyat-İş, Ali Rıza Küçükosmanoğlu, union cadres and members from various workplaces, as well as representatives
from BTO-Sen, Enerji-Sen and Sosyal-İş, who expressed their solidarity.
In the joint statement, the inhuman embargo imposed on Cuba for decades was condemned and a call was made to strengthen international class-oriented trade union solidarity against imperialism.
In his speech, Özkan Atar underlined that imperialist interventions in the Middle East and the attacks against countries such as Venezuela and Iran are part of a broader strategy aimed at controlling the world’s natural and energy resources. He stressed that despite the severe blockade, the Cuban people continue their dignified resistance and will never surrender.
Ali Rıza Küçükosmanoğlu emphasized that the developments taking place in the world are not coincidental but are the result of the deepening crisis of imperialism. He denounced the 67-year-long U.S. blockade against Cuba and reaffirmed that the Cuban Revolution and the resistance of the Cuban people are a source of honor for the international working class. He also expressed solidarity with all peoples resisting imperialist aggression and called for the closure of U.S. military bases in Türkiye.
The protest ended with slogans demanding an end to the blockade against Cuba and expressing solidarity with the peoples of Cuba, Venezuela, Iran and Palestine.
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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