Taking COSATU Today Forward, 24 February 2026 #CosatuCEC
Norman Mampane
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COSATU TODAY #DownWithGEMS, declares #Cosatu public service unions #CosatuCEC is in session at Braamfontein #WorkerControl #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
24 February 2026
“Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism”
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- SACP Mpumalanga statement on the public sector strike against GEMS increases
- South Africa
- Commission for Gender Equality convenes webinar on Gender Justice, 25 Feb
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- Call for proposals: Toolkit for educators and unionists to promote inclusive education and end stigma and discrimination against persons affected by leprosy
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
SACP Mpumalanga statement on the public sector strike against GEMS increases
Lucky Mbuyane, SACP Mpumalanga Provincial Secretary, 22 February 2022
The South African Communist Party in Mpumalanga province joins the hundreds of thousands of government employees across the country in the fight against exorbitant Government Employees Medical Aid Scheme (GEMS) increases.
Over the years, GEMS has been acting contrary to its own policies and principles using workers as cash-cows, putting profits before the people.
GEMS is a non-profit medical aid scheme which also invests surpluses in the interest of its members; however, this has not been happening. Instead, they are acting like loan sharks who prey on its members while getting poor services in return.
Billions lost to investments have not yielded positive results to its members and their treatment moved from bad to worse from GEMS.
It is disappointing that this medical aid scheme is also acting like a monopoly with a lot of barriers to entry for other schemes who may want to provide similar but better services to these employees. This has opened doors for arrogance and abuse of its members who may have no way out of this scheme.
It is important to note that medical aid schemes are operating under conditions of austerity measures making life to be even more difficult for the employees.
With the cost of living already high, GEMS should not add more burden but should go back to its founding principles of an affordable medical aid scheme by and for government employees, providing them with relief instead of this perpetual and unreasonable increase of contributions which are pushing workers deeper into the abyss.
The South African Communist Party is always on the side of the exploited and the oppressed as such it will not only support the public sector workers in the fight against GEMS but will also mobilise its members against the exploitation of public sector workers. We also call on all other workers to join the strike in solidarity with the affected employees as Karl Marx puts it ‘’Workers of the world unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains’’.
The SACP was anticipating GEMS to be a springboard for the implementation of the NHI as it was long signed into law for the provision of access to quality and affordable personal health services to all South Africans based on their health needs, we are however, disappointed to learn that the implementation of the NHI is immediately suspended as of Friday last week.
We are therefore calling upon our members to join workers on this strike as a beginning for the rolling mass action.
Issued by the South African Communist Party Mpumalanga province
South Africa #ClassSolidarity
Commission for Gender Equality convenes webinar on Gender Justice, 25 Feb
23 Feb 2026
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) will be convening a webinar to bring together scholars, faith leaders, policymakers, civil society actors, and constitutional institutions to interrogate how gender inequality is sustained at the intersection of religion and health and how these systemic realities shape lived, embodied experiences.
This engagement forms part of the CGE’s constitutional mandate to promote, protect, monitor, and evaluate gender equality across all sectors of society. The discussion will deliberately move from global systemic patterns to South Africa’s lived realities, highlighting institutional accountability and identifying practical pathways for intervention.
The webinar is positioned as a critical transition point from analysis to action and will inform a subsequent implementation-focused symposium aimed at strengthening coordinated institutional responses.
Members of the media are invited to join as follows:
Date:
25 February 2026
Time: 10:00 – 12:00
Platform: Teams – Click here to
Join
Enquiries:
Mikateko
Shipalana
E-mail: Me...@cge.org.za
Cell: 063 355 6859
(Spokesperson)
Javu Baloyi
E-mail: Ja...@cge.org.za
Cell: 083 579 3306
Issued by Commission for Gender Equality
International-Solidarity
Call for proposals: Toolkit for educators and unionists to promote inclusive education and end stigma and discrimination against persons affected by leprosy
23 February 2026
Background
Education International (EI) is the Global Union Federation that brings together organisations of teachers and other education employees from across the world. Through our 383 member organisations, we represent more than 32 million teachers and education support personnel in 178 countries and territories.
Despite significant progress in the fight against leprosy, stigma and discrimination remain major barriers to social inclusion and access to education for persons affected by this disease as well as for others affected by diverse physical and psychological impairments.
In January 2026, Education International reaffirmed its global commitment to combating stigma and discrimination by co‑hosting and signing the 2026 Global Appeal to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy, together with the Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative and the Damien Foundation. The Appeal highlights the transformative power of education in dispelling myths, promoting dignity and inclusion, and ensuring that no learner is left behind.
Education plays a transformative role in dismantling misconceptions about disability or other health-related challenges including leprosy and fostering inclusive, rights‑respecting societies. The right to quality education is a precondition for equity, inclusion, and social justice; through education we can promote critical thinking, challenge prejudices, and eliminate discrimination.
Schools also serve as vital community hubs for health promotion, disease prevention and inclusive education. By raising awareness and encouraging screening, school communities can help identify early signs of leprosy and other diseases, support timely referral and treatment, and reduce the risk of disability and stigma. By promoting inclusion and social emotional skills, schools foster diversity, better interpersonal relationships and well-being in the education community.
Educators and unionists play a critical role in shaping attitudes, preventing stigma and discrimination, and promoting inclusive practices, and advocating for systemic change both in countries where leprosy is endemic and in countries that provide policy or financial assistance to affected regions. Through training, campaigns, and collaboration with health and education authorities, unions can help empower educators to become champions of inclusion and health.
This toolkit aims to equip educators and union representatives with practical resources to prevent and address stigma and discrimination, foster inclusive, quality and equitable education, and to advocate for policies and financing that uphold the rights and dignity of persons affected by Leprosy.
Objectives
To develop a practical, adaptable toolkit that provides:
- An evidence‑based overview of the role of education, and educators (including teachers, school leaders and education support personnel) in reducing stigma and discrimination related to disability, leprosy and other health‑related challenges.
- An overview of the current state of leprosy worldwide and education related challenges.
- Lesson plans, classroom activities, educative materials for students and educators that can support teachers and education support personnel in promoting inclusive learning environments and strengthen students’ social‑emotional competencies (e.g., empathy, respect, cooperation) in collaboration with organizations such as the Damian Foundation,
- Materials for union representatives and advocates to engage effectively with their members and key policy makers and influence policy and financing decisions that support inclusive education and equitable societies, including the development of practical advocacy tools (e.g. fact sheets, dispelling myths, testimonies).
We encourage the use and reference to existing evidence-based resources and materials that already exist. While we want to give leprosy a particular focus, we view this work as part of broader advocacy for inclusive education. We encourage exploring how this issue can gain visibility within existing policy and implementation efforts, addressing stigma and discrimination, and promoting inclusive education.
Target audience
- Educators
- Unionists
- The content of the toolkit should be relevant for both
- Countries that are affected by Leprosy (direct impact)
- Countries where Leprosy is no longer endemic (indirect impact through solidarity and global citizenship education)
Proposed structure of the toolkit (maximum 50 pages excluding references)
Introduction
- Understanding leprosy: medical facts, myths, and realities.
- The impact of stigma and discrimination on education and why social inclusion matters to everyone.
- Global and local perspectives: why this matters everywhere.
Teacher guidance
- How to recognize when to intervene when confronted with a situation of discrimination and exclusion inside and outside the classroom.
- How to address leprosy, disability and different impairments in the classroom (i.e, verbal and nonverbal communication)
- Creating safe spaces for discussion.
Advocacy resources for unions to fight against stigma and discrimination and promote inclusive education
- What can be influenced (focused on inclusive education provision)?
- Health policy
- Education policy (accessible and inclusive infrastructure, curriculum, assistance (Education Support Personnel needed)?
- Teachers and unions
- Messaging Framework:
- Key facts and talking points for advocacy (A fact sheet that can be printed and used as a tool).
- How to communicate effectively with stakeholders.
- Action Templates:
- Sample letters to authorities.
- Social media campaign ideas.
- Guidelines for organizing awareness events.
Timeline
- February: Draft concept and outline.
- March-July: Develop and finalize content.
- October: Launch of the toolkit.
Terms of the contract
The planned research period is a total of 5 months, during which the consultant will liaise with an EI contact person on the progress of the research on a mutually agreed upon schedule. The research will remain confidential to EI and the contractor until its publication.
Schedule of payments
- 50% on exchange of a signed contract
- 50% on receipt of the final toolkit
Application
Applications should include:
- The consultant(s) updated curriculum vitae(s) and list of publications;
- A brief concept note (2 -3 pages) stating the research methodology, the scope and scale of the research, and a proposed timeline for the 5 months to be shared with nikola....@ei-ie.org by 27 February 2026.
Researcher expertise & experience
- Advanced academic degree in a relevant field (e.g., Education, Public Health / Global Health, Psychology, Anthropology/ Medical Anthropology)
- Additional training or coursework in: Inclusive education, disability studies, health communication, human rights / social justice education.
- 7–10+ years of professional experience in one or more of the following: Education research, public health education or health promotion, disability inclusion and anti‑stigma initiatives, labour or union-related advocacy, development of toolkits, curricula, or training materials
- The consultant should have demonstrated ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative research, including interviews, document analysis, and stakeholder consultation and produce clear and accessible toolkits, policy briefs and advocacy-oriented materials.
- Capacity to work independently, with ability to share information, receive feedback and engage in dialogue with partners;
- Excellent command of the English language and excellent writing skills.
Budget and payment
The total amount allocated for this consultancy is €10,000. This amount covers all consultancy fees and deliverables described in this Terms of Reference. It excludes layout/graphic design and translation of the toolkit into EI languages, which will be arranged and funded separately by Education International.
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UNI joins ITUC call for solidarity on 4th anniversary of war in Ukraine
23 February 2026
UNI Global Union joins the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in calling for solidarity with workers and trade unions in Ukraine on the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion on 24 February.
In the midst of an exceptionally harsh winter, with temperatures dropping below -20°C, more than half a million people have been forced to flee their homes in Kyiv alone as Russia continues its attacks on vital infrastructure. Electricity and heating supplies to residential areas, hospitals and other public buildings in many cities have been severely disrupted as energy facilities are deliberately bombarded.
In these extreme conditions, trade unionists remain on the frontline, providing humanitarian assistance to workers and their families. Their efforts include operating heated shelters and distributing warm clothing, hot meals, power banks, generators and other alternative energy sources to those left without power.
Despite the war, unions continue to defend workers’ rights. Last year, with support from Swedish affiliate Unionen, UNI established an organizing centre in the capital Kyiv to support Ukrainian unions, veterans and NGOs. The centre has grown out of UNI’s years-long support for refugees and the country’s workers, including healthcare union Be Like Nina, whose members deliver essential services under extraordinary pressure.
UNI Global Union General Secretary Christy Hoffman said:
“Four years after Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian workers continue to show extraordinary courage and resilience. We pay tribute to trade unions who are providing heat, food and hope in the darkest of times. We stand firmly with them and encourage our affiliates to show swift, practical solidarity by contributing to the ITUC fund to support workers during this bitter winter.”
UNI urges its affiliates and partners to contribute to the designated ITUC Solidarity Fund for Ukraine:
Reference: Solidarity Fund
ITUC/CSI account: 068-9007804-23
(BIC/Swift: GKCCBEBB – IBAN: BE92 0689 0078 0423)
Banque Belfius S.A.
Place Rogier 11
1000 Brussels Belgium
______________________________
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