Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin, 26 January 2026 #Back2SchoolCampaign #Right2RightCampaign
Norman Mampane
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COSATU TODAY #Back2SchoolCampaign #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
26 January 2026
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- COSATU KZN calls workers to a Solidarity Action against U.S. Imperialist Aggression on Venezuela and in other States
- Update on a meeting held with the Minister of Health-SAMATU
- South Africa
- COSATU urges government to halt the mind boggling planned R372 million budget for Defence Force Day
- Memorandum delivered by the revolutionary Alliance to the imperialist United State of American Consulate-Tokai, Cape Town.
- Climate Commission Executive Director welcomes President Ramaphosa’s appointment of new commissioners
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- Unions from Adidas supplier countries meet amid growing concerns over collective bargaining
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
COSATU KZN calls workers to a Solidarity Action against U.S. Imperialist Aggression on Venezuela and in other States
Edwin Mkhize, COSATU KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Secretary, 26 January 2026
Progressive forces in KwaZulu-Natal will gather on Friday, 30 January 2026 at the United States Embassy in KwaZulu-Natal, 303 Dr Pixley Ka Seme Street (West Street), Durban to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the ongoing imperialist aggression by the United States government against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
This aggression has shocked the world, violated international law, and undermined the foundational principle of sovereign equality among nations. The forcible capture and detention of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores is not a lawful act of justice, but a brazen act of foreign military intervention driven by the United States’ long-standing agenda to dominate the Global South and seize control of strategic natural resources — particularly Venezuela’s oil.
In early January 2026, U.S. forces launched military strikes on Caracas and unlawfully removed President Maduro to the United States, falsely claiming jurisdiction over his prosecution. This act constitutes a grave violation of the United Nations Charter, which explicitly prohibits unilateral use of force and the invasion of sovereign states without UN Security Council authorisation.
We reject the dangerous fiction that this intervention is lawful or justified. No country has the right to invade another, abduct its democratically elected leadership, and impose its will through military might. Such actions threaten global peace, normalise aggression as foreign policy, and weaken the international order meant to protect all nations — big or small.
This imperialist aggression takes place while working and poor people in South Africa, Africa, and across the world continue to suffer under global capitalism, unemployment, inequality, poverty, and racialised exploitation. The struggle against imperialism abroad is inseparable from our struggle for economic justice, sovereignty, and dignity at home.
We stand in unwavering solidarity with the Venezuelan people and all progressive forces resisting imperialist domination.
We demand:
- The immediate and unconditional release of President Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores
- An end to all foreign military intervention in Venezuela
- Full respect for national sovereignty and international law
- A world order based on peace, justice, and cooperation — not domination and force
- A united struggle against capitalist systems that deepen inequality and exclude the majority
- We further call on the United Nations to uphold its Charter with integrity and to represent the interests of all peoples, not only powerful states. Silence in the face of aggression is complicity.
- We therefore call on trade unions, civic organisations, student formations, liberation movements, faith-based organisations, and community activists to mobilise, participate, and raise their voices in this important action.
This is not merely an international solidarity activity — it is part of a global struggle against imperialism, war, and systems that oppress working and poor people everywhere.
Media and the public are invited to attend and cover this action.
An injury to one is an injury to all!
Hands off Venezuela!
Down with imperialism!
Issued by COSATU KwaZulu Natal
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Update on a meeting held with the Minister of Health-SAMATU
January 22, 2026
Dear
Member
The South African Medical Association Trade Union (SAMATU) engaged in discussions with the Minister of Health and his delegation. The SAMATU delegation included the National Office Bearers, as well as the Chairperson
and Deputy Chairperson of the Junior Doctors Committee.
The primary focus of the meeting was the pressing issue of unemployment among doctors, particularly those who completed their community service in 2024 and 2025. The extensive discussions led to the following agreements,
with both parties committed to collaborating to address the challenges within the profession:
- All interns and community service doctors who have applied and have not yet been placed must submit their names to SAMATU for urgent intervention.
- A total of 1,200 posts have been created for the 2024 post-community service doctors, utilizing funds allocated in October 2025. Provinces are actively working to fill these positions, with ongoing feedback provided.
The department has identified 1,891 posts for the cohort that completed their community service in 2025. The process for their employment will commence once the treasury confirms the budget allocation, which is anticipated
by the end of January 2026.
To ensure effective implementation and monitoring, both parties have agreed to reconvene in the first week of February 2026 to assess progress and determine further necessary interventions.
All members from the 2024 cohort are encouraged to keep SAMATU updated regarding their placement status, as this will aid in maintaining accurate records.
COSATU urges government to halt the mind boggling planned R372 million budget for Defence Force Day
Matthew Parks, COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, 26 January 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) urges government to halt the mind boggling planned R372 million budget for the Defence Force Day parade and related activities scheduled for 21 February in Thohoyandou. This is a grotesque waste of funds which can be better utilised to address the many pressing needs of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Blowing R372 million on a one-day parade will take wasteful expenditure to new lows for the SANDF and the nation.
This tone-deaf waste of scarce resources is an insult to the thousands of members of the SANDF who are struggling under some of the most extreme circumstances due to budget cuts and mismanagement. SANDF peacekeeping forces deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo lost lives because of a lack of working air support and Armory.
The same peacekeeping soldiers saw the SANDF pocket half of their United Nations’ allowances, adding salt to the wound.
Soldiers from SANDF bases across South Africa have long complained about deteriorating barracks, broken toilets and worn-out uniforms. We have been alarmed by more recent reports from members that they are now being reduced to one meal a day due to cost containment measures.
Many aircraft, ships and vehicles are no longer operable due to the need for maintenance, new parts and even tyres!
Pilots and other personnel are receiving far below the minimum hours of training to maintain their operating licenses and levels of combat readiness.
The nation is facing a variety of security threats from the trafficking of people, stolen cars and drugs across our land borders to the need to protect our seas from illegal fishing by foreign and domestic vessels.
This R372 million can be far better utilised by the SANDF as part of government’s efforts to rebuild its capacity to fulfill its constitutional mandate to secure South Africa. A R372 million ego trip for some painfully out of touch generals is simply unacceptable, more so after the 2% VAT hike fiasco of 2025 motivated by government needing additional funds for frontline public services.
COSATU urges President Cyril Ramaphosa, to instruct the Minister for Defence, Ms. A. Motshekga, and the SANDF to scrap this fanciful extravaganza and redirect this R372 million towards ensuring that our soldiers receive their meals, live in decent barracks, receive their training and have working vehicles. It is time that the culture of wasteful expenditure in the SANDF was dealt with.
Issued by COSATU
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Memorandum delivered by the revolutionary Alliance to the imperialist United State of American Consulate-Tokai, Cape Town.
We, the African National Congress (ANC), South African Communist Party (SACP), Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), and other Formations of Civil Society, are gathered here to condemn the killing of 32 Cuban nationals who were members of the Presidential Guard of President Nicolás Maduro; to condemn the invasion of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela by the United States of America; the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores; and the ongoing threats against Venezuela’s national sovereignty and independence.
In the spirit of international working-class solidarity, and in defence of the right of all nations and peoples to sovereignty, independence, and dignity, the ANC, SACP, COSATU, SANCO, and other Progressive Civil Society Formations hereby address the Consulate of the United States of America in protest against the direct violation of the sovereignty of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and of international law.
On 3 January 2026, the United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela, including air strikes, bombardments, and the deployment of special forces. This operation culminated in the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The President and First Lady were forcibly extracted from Venezuelan territory and transported to the United States to face federal charges of so-called “narco-terrorism” and drug trafficking.
These actions constitute a criminal and flagrant violation of Articles 1 and 2 of the Charter of the United Nations, which enshrine respect for national sovereignty, the legal equality of states, and the prohibition of the use of force. They represent a grave threat to international peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean and place the lives of millions of people at serious risk.
As a collective we reject with contempt the defamatory designation of President Nicolás Maduro as a “narco-terrorist.” This allegation, repeatedly advanced by United States officials, is false, defamatory, and deliberately constructed to justify regime-change operations and to demonise the legitimate, democratically elected government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, its government, and its people have the sovereign right to pursue their chosen political, economic, and social path without coercion, threats, or external interference. The United States has no right to police, invade, or wage undeclared war against independent nations under the guise of “security” or “counter-narcotics.”
We therefore demand that:
- The United States immediately and unconditionally release President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores and ensure their safe return to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
- The United States immediately cease all military operations and manoeuvres in the southern Caribbean and off the coast of Venezuela.
- The United States government immediately end all extrajudicial killings in international waters and halt the policy of targeting small civilian vessels under the false justification of combating “narco-terrorism.”
- The United States government cease all attempts to delegitimise or overthrow the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
- The United States respect the sovereignty and independence of Venezuela in full conformity with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
- The United States end all unilateral coercive measures, sanctions, and blockades against Venezuela, which collectively punish its people and violate international law.
- The United States government formally respond to this memorandum within two (2) weeks of receipt
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Climate Commission Executive Director welcomes President Ramaphosa’s appointment of new commissioners
2 January 2026
The Executive Director of the Presidential Climate Commission, Ms Dorah Modise, has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appointment of Commissioners of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC).
The Commission was established in 2020 as a multi-stakeholder body to advise on South Africa’s climate change response measures, as well as our just transition development pathways and interventions to a low-emissions, climate-resilient economy and society. The term of the current commissioners ended on 31 December 2025, and the new Commissioners will serve for a period of five years from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030 in terms of the Climate Change Act, 2024 (Act No. 22 of 2024).
“We thank and applaud our Chairperson, President Ramaphosa, on his well-informed and guided decision on the appointment of these diverse leaders of our society and communities to drive and guide our country's just transition journey and climate action efforts” said Ms Dorah Modise, PCC Executive Director and Commissioner Designate.
The Commissioners appointed by the President are as follows:
1. Dr Phindile Masangane
2. Dr Ntombifuthi Nxumalo
3. Ms Ndiambani Magadagela
4. Ms Shaameela Soobramoney
5. Dr Sarushen Pillay
6. Ms Catherine Constantinides
7. Ms Tracy-Lynn Field
8. Ms Khungeka Njobe
9. Ms Zaynab Sadan
10. Dipak Patel
11. Dr Zwanani Titus Mathe
12. Cllr. Kenalemang Phukuntsi
13. Cllr Dr Nasiphi Moya
14. Dr Muhammad Ridwaan Gallant
15. Mr Cecil Monnanyana Mahlangu
16. Queen Neo Mononelo Mopeli
17. Ms Thandile Zonke
18. Mr Errol Andile Mlambo
19. Prof Imraan Valodia
20. Prof Azwihangwisi Edward Nesamvuni
21. Ms Joanne Yawitch
22. Ms Boitumelo Molete
23. Mr Brandin Abdinor
24. Mr Waheed Hoosen
25. Ms Shamini Harrington
“As we undertake this renewed mandate, we remain cognisant that PCC integrity and convening power depends on the continued engagement of diverse sectors of our society in shaping climate and development policy. We remain committed to the creation of a just and equitable society, working together with all partners to a just transition that leaves no one behind” said Ms Dorah Modise.
The full profiles of the new commissioners will be available on the PCC website: www.climatecommission.org.za from 4 January 2026.
ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENTIAL CLIMATE COMMISSION
International-Solidarity
Education International denounces the blocking of high level delegation to Palestine
Trade union rights are human rights, 26 January 2026
Education leaders were invited to mark the International Day of Education
Education International strongly condemns the decision by the Israeli occupation authorities to prevent a delegation of education leaders from entering Palestine, detaining delegation members for hours, subjecting them to interrogation, confiscating their passports, and forcibly returning them to Jordan.
The delegation, which included the General Secretary of Education International, Executive Board members and leaders of education unions from across the world, was travelling at the invitation of the General Union of Palestinian Teachers. The purpose of the visit was to stand in solidarity with Palestinian educators and to participate in activities marking the International Day of Education, alongside Palestinian colleagues who continue to defend the right to education under extreme conditions.
As part of this visit, the delegation had also been invited to be present with teachers graduating from a professional development programme supported by Education International and its member organisations. These teachers represent the future of Palestinian education. They represent resilience, commitment, and hope. Preventing international educators from standing beside them at this moment is not only an attack on freedom of movement and trade union rights; it is an attempt to isolate Palestinian education from its global community and to silence international solidarity.
The denial of entry to this delegation cannot be separated from the broader and systematic targeting of education in Palestine. From the destruction of schools and universities, to the disruption of learning through raids, closures, and intimidation, Palestinian students and educators are being denied their fundamental right to education. Blocking international solidarity is a further effort to prevent the truth from being witnessed and shared.
Education International affirms that academic freedom, trade union rights, and international solidarity are not privileges; they are fundamental rights protected under international law. The actions taken against this delegation constitute a clear violation of these principles and undermine the very values that the International Day of Education is meant to reflect.
Education International stands firmly with Palestinian teachers, students, and their unions. Attempts to intimidate, isolate, or silence educators will only strengthen our collective determination to continue supporting Palestinian education and to amplify the voices of those who, despite war and military occupation, continue to teach and to build hope for future generations.
Education International calls on the international community, to take decisive action to challenge these violations and to defend the right to education, academic freedom, and international solidarity everywhere.
______________________________
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