Taking COSATU Today Forward, 15 January 2026 #Back2SchoolCampaign #Right2LearnCampaign
Norman Mampane
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COSATU TODAY #COSATU launches #Back2School and #Right2Learn Campaigns across all provinces #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
15 January 2026
“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!
- COSATU Statement on the Death of Comrade Basil John Snayer
- South Africa
- COSATU welcomes resignation of IDT CEO Malaka
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- Solidarity with the people of Iran
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
COSATU Statement on the Death of Comrade Basil John Snayer
Malvern De Bruyn, COSATU Western Cape Provincial Secretary, 14 January 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) mourns the passing of comrade Basil John Snayer. We wish his family, friends and comrades well during this painful period of mourning.
Comrade Basil was a teacher by profession. Activism was in his DNA.
The late comrade Basil was an active Leader in the former Western Cape Teachers’ Union (WECTU) and played an active role in the unity talk leading to the formation of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU).
He was an active member of SADTU and the African National Congress’ Athlone Branches. He was elected as the Deputy Provincial Chairperson of SADTU Western Cape and later the Provincial Chairperson of the Union in the Province.
He was a member of the SADTU’s National Executive Committee, its highest decision-making structure.
During his term he was instrumental in capacity building of Branches in dispute resolution and organisational culture and traditions.
Comrade Basil testified at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on the atrocities of the apartheid government in education as well as the murder of ANC and its armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe’s cadre Anton Francsh.
He testified that he saw a sergeant throwing a hand grenade into the house. This was called the battle of Athlone of which comrade Basil was a witness.
Basil John Snayer was active in the African National Congress in the Western Cape, mobilising for the building of structures in the Province, especially on the Cape Flats and surrounding townships. His activities were most felt in the Athlone Area where he mentored generations of activists.
Basil was the uncle of Robert Waterwitch, who with Coline Williams, as young members of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) died in 1989 when a limpet mine exploded prematurely. Basil relayed his life story to the Community on behalf of the family.
His role in political education explaining the role of the African National Congress amongst the Youth and Teachers was invaluable.
He was a committed member of the ANC before its unbanning, through the democratic breakthrough of 1994 when the new Government was formed by President Nelson Mandela and beyond.
Comrade Basil served as a member of the COSATU Provincial Executive Committee in the Western Cape, representing SADTU. He was dedicated to the Federation, mobilizing for its campaigns and programmes. His influence sharpened the strategic trajectory of the Federation in the province and nationally.
Basil was a founder member of the South African Council of Educators serving as a Council Member and later as the Chairperson of the Audit and Risk committee for a number of years.
Comrade Snayer was the principal of Garlandale Secondary School and advanced progressive and critical thinking with the staff of the school. It became the home of SADTU with the school opening its doors to the union.
Basil Snayer was the former Chairperson of the Provincial Education Labour Relations Council in the Western Cape.
As a talented musician his skills as a band member was always available to all progressive forces to mobilise our people through music and dance.
He led with the utmost humility and dignity. He is saluted as a true revolutionary leader of education workers and learners in the Western Cape.
Basil played a strategic role in the fight for liberation and transformation.
Hamba Kahle to an unsung hero.
Hamba kahle, qawe lama qawe. Rus in vrede kameraad.
Issued by COSATU Western Cape.
COSATU welcomes resignation of IDT CEO Malaka
Zanele Sabela, COSATU Spokesperson, 14 January 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) welcomes the resignation of the CEO of the Independent Development Trust (IDT), Tebogo Malaka, effective 31 January 2026.
COSATU is deeply relieved to learn Malaka will not be receiving a golden handshake nor will her resignation shield her from facing criminal charges.
Malaka was suspended after a PwC investigation revealed major irregularities into the awarding of a R836 million oxygen plant tender, where contracts were awarded to unqualified companies without the requisite certification. Despite this Malaka proceeded with the contracts and ignored warnings and apparent non-compliance of the awardees.
However, it was during her suspension that she dug her own grave when she was caught on video attempting to bribe investigative journalist, Pieter-Louis Myburgh, with R60 000 cash stuffed in a Dior paper bag. The bribe was intended to stop Myburgh publishing further articles about the underhanded dealings at the IDT.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, Malaka mounted a failed public relations campaign via the “Malaka Family Trust” and tried to shift the blame for the bribe to the IDT spokesperson.
Since then, numerous articles have been published uncovering more dodgy dealings. Malaka’s resignation comes ahead of her disciplinary hearing in February. However, her resignation will not help her to escape criminal charges.
COSATU supports the stance of the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure that Malaka will not be receiving a golden handshake and that criminal investigations into her conduct will continue. Too often we have seen senior public officials escape accountability by resigning, only to later emerge in another department as if nothing happened. This kind of impunity must come to an end; culprits must be made to account for their unscrupulous conduct.
Issued by COSATU
International-Solidarity
Solidarity with the people of Iran
Democracy, 14 January 2026
As the people of Iran continue to rise against an oppressive regime and face violent repression, Iranian teachers and unionists are calling for international solidarity.
EI member organisation the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teacher Trade Associations (CCITTA) has announced that two of its members have been arrested.
Abdulah Rezaei, CCITTA Board Member and the General Secretary of the Teachers’ Trade Association of Harsin, Kermanshah Province, and Shokrolah Ahmadi, CCITTA Inspector and Member of the Board of Directors of the Teachers’ Trade Association of Fars province have been detained.
Education International calls for their immediate release!
14 January | Watch the testimony of Shiva Amelirad, CCITTA Director of international affairs
Click here to read the Education International statement calling for an end to violent crackdowns and the protection of education communities in Iran.
Esmail Abdi's story: Imprisoned for years for defending teachers' rights
For years, education unions everywhere have been advocating for our colleagues in Iran, for their rights and freedom.
In this video, we hear directly from Esmail Abdi, a teacher and trade union leader who spent years in prison as a result of his principled advocacy for education, teachers’ rights, and the rights of students.
Arrested on his way to an Education International World Congress, Esmail was eventually freed thanks to the relentless advocacy and solidarity of his colleagues from across the world.
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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