Taking COSATU Today Forward, 19 February 2026
Norman Mampane
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COSATU TODAY #Cosatu affiliates in the public service mobilizing workers for the 24th Feb lunchtime pickets and 26th Feb National Day of Action against #GEMS’s unaffordable member’s contribution increase…. #ClassSolidarity #Cosatu40 #SACTU70 #ClassStruggle “Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism” #CosatuCallCentre 010 002 2590 #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
19 February 2026
“Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism”
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- COSATU initiative prioritises pupils in flood- and GBV-ravaged communities
- South Africa
- COSATU deeply concerned about the trapped workers Ekapa Mine
- COSATU Gauteng statement on the City of Ekurhuleni’s vetting of Metro Police officers
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- WFTU Solidarity Statement with workers of EKTAM SOFT DRINKS
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
COSATU initiative prioritises pupils in flood- and GBV-ravaged communities
Zanele Sabela, COSATU Spokesperson, 18 February 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is set to do its bit part in restoring dignity to pupils in flood-and GBV-ravaged communities in three provinces.
Following its second successful annual Charity Golf Challenge in December, COSATU will head to Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape this coming Saturday, 21 February, to donate school shoes and dignity bags to learners.
Starting in 2024, COSATU has hosted a Charity Golf Challenge bringing together COSATU leaders, government officials and business partners on the golf course to help raise funds for its activities, school shoes and dignity bags for underprivileged learners.
Every swing contributed to changing a child’s school experience and enhancing their confidence and wellbeing.
In the true spirit of Ubuntu, President Cyril Ramaphosa supported the cause and joined in the merriment on both years.
The communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga were selected for donations following the devasting floods they suffered early this year, while the Eastern Cape community was chosen due to the scourge of gender-based violence that has pervaded it. Educators, pupils and parents have been invited to handover events across the three provinces as follows:
Province: Limpopo
Venue: Masiza High School Sports Grounds, Mbaula, Giyani
Recipients from: Nyiko Primary School and Masiza High School
Date: 21 February 2026
Starting Time: 11am
Province: Eastern Cape
Venue: Jumba Senior Secondary School Hall, Mqhekezweni, Mthatha
Recipients from: Jumba Senior Secondary School
Date: 21 February 2026
Starting Time: 11am
Province: Mpumalanga
Venue: Sidlemu Primary School Hall, Nkomazi
Recipients from: Silindokuhle Special School and Mphoti Primary School
Date: 21 February 2026
Starting Time: 11am
COSATU President, Zingiswa Losi, has been spearheading this flagship initiative and will be at the Limpopo handover along with General Secretary, Solly Phetoe. The Federation’s 2nd Deputy President, Duncan Luvuno, and Deputy General Secretary, Gerald Twala are headed to the Eastern Cape. While 1st Deputy President, Mike Shingange, and National Treasurer, Freda Oosthuysen, will be in Mpumalanga.
In preparation for the handover, COSATU has received lists from schools detailing the correct shoe size and gender of each recipient to avoid any mishaps. Each child will also receive a COSATU branded school bag with hygiene products including a washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, roll-on, lotion and sanitary pads for girls.
The Federation is sincerely grateful to its partners and stakeholders, including the golfers, for their continued support of this vital initiative.
Issued by COSATU
Zanele Sabela (COSATU Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: zan...@cosatu.org.za
South Africa #ClassSolidarity
COSATU deeply concerned about the trapped workers Ekapa Mine
Zanele Sabela, COSATU Spokesperson, 18 February 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is gravely concerned about the five workers trapped at Ekapa Mine in Kimberley, Northern Cape since the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The miners were reportedly trapped after a mud rush. So far rescue efforts have not succeeded in bringing them above ground. Fears are mounting that water and mud are impeding access to the 800-metre-deep shaft, making the rescue mission even more challenging.
Our thoughts are with the workers and their families at this challenging time.
COSATU echoes the stance of its Affiliate, National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) as they call for transparency and more details of the rescue mission to be provided to ease the stress on the families of the trapped miners.
Commenting on safety at mines last week, the Minerals Council of South Africa said mine safety was at an all-time high compared to 1994 but expressed concern about the increase in falls-of-ground fatalities.
Labour unions, the industry and the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources have committed themselves to the goal of Zero Harm. In line with this, COSATU is calling on all stakeholders to join hands and put all resources to bear to ensure the trapped miners are brought back to safety urgently.
Following the rescue, no stone should be left unturned in probing the cause of the mud rush. Government must ensure that mining companies keep to their commitment of striving for Zero Harm.
Issued by COSATU
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COSATU Gauteng statement on the City of Ekurhuleni’s vetting of Metro Police officers
Louisah Moepeng Modikwe, COSATU Gauteng Provincial Secretary, 18 February 2026
COSATU Gauteng notes with serious concern the unilateral decision by the City of Ekurhuleni to commence a vetting process for more than 3 000 Metro Police officers without meaningful consultation with organised labour, particularly with the recognised union representing these workers.
While COSATU Gauteng unequivocally supports measures to uphold accountability, transparency and integrity in law enforcement, the protection of workers’ rights and the observance of fair labour practices must remain non-negotiable.
Any process that has the potential to alter terms and conditions of employment must be subject to proper collective bargaining and consultation with affected unions, in line with labour legislation and sound industrial relations practice.
We recognise the importance of vetting as part of public confidence in law enforcement, especially following the troubling revelations before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
However, we are alarmed that frontline EMPD officers many of whom are not implicated in any wrongdoing, are being subjected to this process before senior leadership and management are held to account.
As our Affiliate, the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), rightly pointed out, problems in institutions often begin at the top, and leadership must lead by example.
COSATU Gauteng also reiterates that any vetting or disciplinary process must be:
Just, transparent and lawful, ensuring due process and respect for workers’ rights.
Consultative, reflecting genuine engagement with labour representatives at every stage.
Focused on conduct and accountability at all levels, starting with those in senior management who bear ultimate responsibility for the culture and performance of the department and be implemented in a way that protects both the safety of the public and the security of workers’ livelihoods.
COSATU Gauteng calls on the City of Ekurhuleni to immediately halt any current unilateral actions and enter structured, good-faith engagement with SAMWU and other relevant labour formations. Furthermore, we urge that the vetting process be transparent, evidence-based, and in accordance with labour rights and constitutional protections for workers.
Worker dignity, accountability and community safety must go hand in hand. We stand in solidarity with employees who seek fairness, and with communities who deserve professional, ethical, and accountable policing.
We will continue to monitor developments closely and will not hesitate to mobilise support for democratic and fair labour practices.
Issued by COSATU Gauteng
International-Solidarity
WFTU Solidarity Statement with workers of EKTAM SOFT DRINKS
by WFTU HQ, 13 Feb 2026
The World Federation of Trade Unions, representing more than 105 million workers in 134 countries across all continents, strongly condemns the dismissal of 37 workers of EKTAM SOFT DRINKS in Famagusta, Cyprus, immediately after they demanded a collective agreement.
The international class-oriented trade union movement expresses its full and unconditional solidarity with the EMEK-İŞ union, their just demands, and the indefinite strike that began a week ago.
We denounce the anti-union actions and practices carried out by the company, targeting the workers who courageously defend their interests struggling for dignified salaries and working conditions.
The WFTU joins its voice with DEV-IŞ, its local union EMEK-İŞ, and the workers of EKTAM SOFT DRINKS, demanding the immediate reinstatement of all dismissed workers, stopping the unacceptable anti-union practices, the harassment and threats against struggling workers, and proceeding with a collective agreement that guarantees dignified employment conditions.
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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