Taking COSATU Today Forward, 31 March 2026 #CosatuGreenIndustrialisation
Norman Mampane
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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
31 March 2026
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- Minister Nomakhosazana Meth Urges Business-Government Partnership to Tackle Free State Unemployment.
- South Africa
- North West Provincial Legislature on illegal mining, unauthorised wash plants and regulatory gaps
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- WTO Ministerial Conference: A missed opportunity for inclusion and a frustrated attempt at reform
- WFTU Statement on the anniversary Palestinian Land Day
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
Minister Nomakhosazana Meth Urges Business-Government Partnership to Tackle Free State Unemployment.
26 March 2026
Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to address persistent unemployment and unlock economic growth in the Free State.
Speaking during an employer seminar hosted by the Department of Employment and Labour through the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) on Thursday, 26 March 2026, in Welkom, Meth addressed employers and business leaders in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality following a three-day “Taking Services to the People" outreach programme.
Highlighting the tangible impact of the week-long outreach programme, the Minister noted that in Bultfontein on 24 March 2026, UIF officials processed and paid R10 809,95 on-site, while compensation payments reached R104 551,00, demonstrating the government's commitment to delivering immediate relief to workers.
Describing the district as historically strong in mining and shaped by resilience, Meth said its future would depend on deliberate partnership and decisive action. She emphasised that government's outreach initiatives are not only about improving service delivery but also about strengthening cooperation with business.
“Sustainable economic growth and meaningful job creation cannot be achieved by government alone," said Minister Meth, adding that coordinated efforts between the state, business, labour, and communities are essential.
Dedicating this year to the youth of 1976, Minister declared this year “The year of golden jubilee" putting young South Africans to work.
Minister Meth highlighted that unemployment remains high at 37.2%. Youth unemployment is particularly concerning, with nearly a third of young people aged 15 to 24 not in employment, education, or training.
“This is not simply a labour market challenge, it is a structural crisis that threatens long-term social and economic stability," said Minister Meth.
Minister Meth said Free State remains one of South Africa's most important agricultural regions, producing a substantial share of the country's maize, soya beans, potatoes, and cherries. She said this positions the province to expand into agro-processing and value-added industries.
She urged employers to play a more active role in economic revitalisation by investing in local industries and creating employment opportunities, with particular emphasis on youth development, in the form of expanded learnerships, apprenticeships, and workplace training programmes.
Although the province recorded a strong matric pass rate in 2025, she stressed that education must translate into employment outcomes. “Employers have a critical responsibility to help bridge the gap between education and the labour market," she said.
Minister Meth also reaffirmed government's commitment to enforcing labour standards, including compliance with the national minimum wage and occupational health and safety regulations, as essential to building a stable economy.
Highlighting the importance of inclusive growth, Meth called for increased support for small and medium enterprises, noting that expanding economic participation is key to reducing reliance on social grants.
“With the right partnerships and a shared commitment, we can rebuild this economy, create jobs, and restore dignity to our people," said Minister Meth.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Teboho Thejane
Departmental Spokesperson
082 697 0694/ teboho....@labour.gov.za
-ENDS-
Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour
South Africa #ClassSolidarity
North West Provincial Legislature on illegal mining, unauthorised wash plants and regulatory gaps
30 Mar 2026
The North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism chaired by Hon Mpho Khunou has raised serious concerns regarding the increasing number of illegal mining activities and unauthorised chrome wash plants operating across the province, particularly in the Bojanala and Madibeng areas. The concerns emerged during an engagement between the Committee and the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), where several regulatory, environmental and enforcement challenges were highlighted.
The Committee noted with concern that the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) regulations are allegedly being abused due to regulatory gaps and grey areas relating to the authorisation and regulation of chrome wash plants. The Committee has requested the Department to take it through the regulations clause by clause and outline recommendations to address the regulatory gaps, including whether amendments to Section 24G of NEMA or new regulations are required. The Committee further raised concerns about the environmental impact of illegal wash plants, including water pollution, illegal discharge into rivers, air pollution, land degradation and unsafe excavations, which negatively affect communities and municipal infrastructure. Members also expressed concern that illegal mining activities continue despite existing legislation, and that enforcement actions rarely lead to prosecutions and convictions.
The Committee noted that approximately 70 chrome wash plants have been inspected in the 2025/26 financial year, of which about 30 were found to be operating without environmental authorisation. Seven criminal cases have been opened with SAPS and several pre-compliance notices issued to operators, some of whom have committed to apply for rectification in terms of Section 24G of NEMA. However, the Committee raised concern over delays in payment of fines, appeals processes, and the slow pace of enforcement.
The Committee also raised serious concerns about the Department’s limited capacity, noting that there are currently only three compliance inspectors in the Bojanala District, which is insufficient to monitor the increasing number of mining and wash plant operations in the area.
Another major concern raised was the lack of coordination between government institutions responsible for enforcement, including the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, South African Police Service (SAPS), Home Affairs, Water and Sanitation, municipalities, Traditional Authorities and other regulatory bodies. The Committee noted that fragmented enforcement and poor coordination contribute to the continued operation of illegal mining activities and unauthorised wash plants.
Concerns were also highlighted that many wash plant operations are allegedly run by foreign nationals operating illegally in the country, and there was a call for intensified joint operations involving Home Affairs and the Department of Labour to address illegal operators and labour compliance issues.
Furthermore, the Committee raised concerns about delays in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application processes, poor quality submissions by consultants, non-compliance with licence conditions, and allegations of corruption and bribery in licensing and inspection processes. The Committee requested the Department to provide full details on fines issued, operators involved, compliance notices issued, and timelines for ensuring that illegal operations are either compliant or shut down.
“The situation relating to illegal mining and unauthorised wash plants in the North West Province is extremely concerning. Communities are suffering environmental damage, water pollution and unsafe mining activities, while the province is not benefiting economically from these operations. We are particularly concerned about regulatory gaps, lack of enforcement capacity and poor coordination between institutions. The Committee will continue to push for stronger regulations, improved enforcement, a full audit of mining activities in the province and better coordination among all government departments involved,” stated Hon Khunou.
The Committee also called for a comprehensive audit of all mining and wash plant activities in the province, a central database of approved mining rights and environmental authorisations, and a coordinated joint enforcement programme involving all relevant government institutions.
The Committee will convene further stakeholder engagements to address the matter comprehensively and to ensure that mining activities in the province are conducted legally, responsibly and in a manner that benefits the people of the North West Province while protecting the environment.
Enquiries:
Media Liaison Officer - Communications
Kabo Letlhogela
Cell: 079 879 1448
E-mail: ka...@nwpl.org.za
Issued by North West Provincial Legislature
International-Solidarity
WTO Ministerial Conference: A missed opportunity for inclusion and a frustrated attempt at reform
30 March 2026
The ITUC has been deeply disappointed by the outcomes the 14th World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference.
A trade union delegation participated in the event in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from 26-29 March. The Conference aimed to advance a reform agenda that would respond to the challenges that the WTO has been facing over the last decades, but missed the opportunity to respond to the needs of people.
Throughout the Conference, trade union representatives met with negotiators from different countries to advocate for workers’ priorities in the international trading system, highlighting:
The urgency of including unions in multilateral trade discussions to factor in and respond to the impacts on workers from opening up markets.
The importance of putting decent job creation and labour rights at the centre of the international trading system.
The need for flexibilities and increased policy space for developing countries to advance structural transformation.
The need to strengthen the development agenda in the WTO.
The demand for a Just Transition in environmental trade policies to respond to the needs of workers and developing countries.
The necessity to guarantee that digital trade does not undermine a people-centred approach to digitalisation with the necessary guardrails.
Lack of outcomes
The conference aimed to advance plans for reform and respond to issues such as e-commerce, development, agriculture, fisheries, and to include investment into the WTO agenda. Although the meeting was extended until the early morning of 30 March, no outcomes were achieved and discussions have been deferred to Geneva, Switzerland.
The conference was also tainted by limits to freedom of speech as participants were banned from protesting, or even holding up banners. The voice of trade unions and CSOs was further marginalised, with no access to the discussions and no physical space for side events or engagement.
As negotiations continue in Geneva, trade unions will continue to insist on an ambitious reform that changes course towards responding to the needs of working people.
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WFTU Statement on the anniversary Palestinian Land Day
30 March 2026
The World Federation of Trade Unions, on the occasion of the 30th of March, observed as the Palestinian Land Day, honors the struggle of the Palestinian people and reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with their just cause.
The Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, carried out with the political, military, and economic support of the USA, the EU, and their allies, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, massive destruction, and an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.
Following the devastation of Gaza, Israel continues its violent operations in the West Bank, with daily killings, arrests, destruction of homes, and intensification of settlements. At the same time, the aggression has expanded beyond Palestine, engulfing the wider Middle East.
Since February 2026, the region has entered a new and extremely dangerous phase, following large-scale military operations conducted by the USA and Israel against Iran, triggering a full-scale war with grave consequences for all peoples in the region. The spread of the war across multiple countries have already caused widespread civilian casualties and destruction of vital infrastructure, further destabilized the Middle East and threatened global peace.
The escalation of war to Iran, alongside continued attacks in Lebanon and Syria, demonstrates the intensification of imperialist interventions and rivalries in the region. Entire populations are being subjected to bombings, displacement, economic collapse, and insecurity, while the risk of a generalized regional war grows.
The WFTU strongly denounces and condemns these actions and demands the immediate end of military operations and aggression in the region. The WFTU reiterates its firm and principled solidarity with the Palestinian people, as well as with all peoples of the region who are suffering aggression, occupation, and foreign intervention.
The consistent and principled support for the heroic Palestinian people remains a priority for the international class-oriented trade union movement. It is clear that the only path toward peace and stability in region is the immediate end of the Israeli occupation of all occupied Arab territories, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, the guarantee of the right of return of Palestinian refugees, and the cessation of all foreign interventions and military aggressions in the region.
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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