Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin, 3 July 2026
Norman Mampane
|
COSATU TODAY COSATU Call Center Contacts: 010 002 2590 Today, it’s #CosatuRedFridays… #NationaActionAgainstCostOfLiving Campaign continues… #ClassWar #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
3 July 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!
- SAMATU celebrates victory in a matter between its National Treasurer and Mpumalanga Department of Health
- South Africa
- COSATU supports SAMWU National Day of Action
- DFFE clarifies status of the draft national circular economy action plan
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- The Gambia: Union solidarity strengthens educators’ capacity to lead fight against gender-based violence
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics #ClassWar
SAMATU
celebrates victory in a matter between its National Treasurer and Mpumalanga Department of Health
July
03, 2026
Dear Member
The South African Medical Association Trade Union (SAMATU) welcomes the ruling by the High Court of South Africa Mpumalanga Division (Mbombela Main Seat) in a matter between the union's National Treasurer, Dr Bruce Malumane, and the Mpumalanga Department of
Health, whereby the department decided to process unlawful deductions on Dr Malumane's salary.
The court has spoken clearly, doctors cannot be subjected to victimisation, and those who violate fair treatment in workplaces must be held to account. The ruling ordering the Mpumalanga Department of Health to pay the unlawfully deducted funds from Dr Malumane's
salary is more than a victory for one member; it is a powerful statement that SAMATU will defend every member's right to dignity, respect, and fair treatment in the workplace.
SAMATU stands as a shield for medical practitioners who refuse to accept intimidation, coercion, or unfair punitive practices disguised as management. This ruling reinforces SAMATU's unwavering pledge, to pursue justice with tenacity and challenge unfairness
wherever it rears its head.
We take this moment to remind all members that your courage to stand up for your rights strengthens our union. When one of us is targeted, we stand together. We will continue to advocate for transparent processes, proper accountability, and equitable treatment
in every workplace.
Court Ruling_ Dr Malumane vs Mpumalanga Department of Health
South Africa #ClassSolidarity
COSATU supports SAMWU National Day of Action
Zanele Sabela, COSATU Spokesperson, 3 July 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) pledges its full and unwavering support with its militant Affiliate, the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), as it readies to embark on a National Day of Action next Thursday, 9 July in Tshwane.
SAMWU will march to the offices of National Treasury to hand over a memorandum highlighting the continued hardship faced by municipal workers across the country. Municipal workers are at the coalface of service delivery, yet they continue to endure non-compliance with collective agreements, delayed salary payments, attacks on bargaining rights, casualisation and the victimisation of their representatives.
COSATU is deeply concerned by the growing crisis in municipalities, where workers are expected to keep communities functioning while employers fail to honour basic obligations.
Municipal workers collect refuse, maintain water and sanitation systems, keep communities clean, support emergency services, and ensure that local government continues to serve residents.
They deserve decent work, respect, and full compliance with negotiated agreements.
SAMWU’s demands and grievances include the following:
- The union is deeply aggrieved about municipalities’ non-compliance with the Main Collective Agreement 2015–2020.
- SAMWU demands an end to unfair labour practices, including unilateral changes to conditions of service without consultation.
- Urgent conclusion of wage curve negotiations and implementation of agreed wage increases.
- An end to outsourcing, casualisation, labour broking, and all practices that erode job security.
- Immediate payment of salaries and third-party deductions, including pensions, medical aid, and other statutory commitments.
- Protection of collective bargaining, organisational rights, and the right of workers to protest.
- Full implementation of the PFA agreement.
- Reinstatement of SAMWU shop stewards and members dismissed for participating in legitimate protest actions.
COSATU and SAMWU will call on National Treasury, municipalities, SALGA and COGTA to urgently resolve these grievances and restore stability in local government. The financial distress of municipalities must not be shifted onto workers and communities.
The Federation calls on all its Affiliates to stand in solidarity with SAMWU and join its National Day of Action next Thursday.
COSATU further calls on workers, shop stewards, communities, and progressive civil society formations to stand with municipal workers, because the struggle for decent work in municipalities is inseparable from the struggle for quality public services, accountable local government, and dignity for working-class communities.
The Federation stands firmly behind SAMWU and all municipal workers.
COSATU will continue to defend workers’ rights, oppose austerity measures that undermine public services, and campaign for a properly funded, people-centred local government.
Issued by COSATU
____________________________
DFFE
clarifies status of the draft national circular economy action plan
03 Jul 2026
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) wishes to clarify the status of the Draft National Circular Economy Action Plan (NCEAP) following claims made by the Recyclers Association of South Africa (RASA) in an article published by Engineering
News on 1 July 2026 under the headline: “DFFE’s New National Circular Economy Plan Exposes Deep Conflict with DTIC’s Scrap Metal Export Rules – Recycling Sector Demands Urgent Inter-Departmental Review.” ( https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/dffes-new-national-circular-e…)
The article states that the Department published the Draft National Circular Economy Action Plan on 1 June 2026. This information is incorrect.
The DFFE wishes to place on record that the Draft National Circular Economy Action Plan (NCEAP) is still under development and has not been published by the Department. The DFFE is currently engaging relevant stakeholders as part of the development and consultation
process.
The Draft NCEAP has not yet been published for implementation nor released for public comment. Before publication, the Department must complete the necessary consultation processes, including the publication of a notice inviting public comments.
The Department is therefore concerned that the article presents information and conclusions based on the incorrect premise that the Draft NCEAP has already been published. Such claims are misleading and may create unnecessary confusion among stakeholders and
the broader recycling and waste management sectors.
The DFFE wishes to assure all stakeholders in the sector that it remains committed to a transparent, inclusive and consultative process in the development of the National Circular Economy Action Plan. Stakeholders will be afforded an opportunity to provide
input through appropriate consultation processes once the draft plan is ready for public participation.
The DFFE wishes to emphasise that any policy positions, targets, proposals or governance arrangements attributed to the Draft NCEAP in the article should not be regarded as final positions of the Department, as the plan remains under development and subject
to ongoing consultation and approval processes.
Enquiries,
Zolile Nqayi
Cell: 082 898 6483
Email: znq...@dffe.gov.za
Issued by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment
International-Solidarity
The Gambia: Union solidarity strengthens educators’ capacity to lead fight against gender-based violence
3 July 2026
Teachers in The Gambia are at the frontlines of the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), supported by international union development cooperation and a growing commitment to transform schools into safe, inclusive spaces.
A recent training organised by the Gambia Teachers’ Union (GTU) in Brikama, in the West of the Gambia, brought together 100 teachers for a full day of capacity building, equipping educators with the tools to identify, prevent, and respond to violence affecting
students and communities.
Organised with the support of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO), the training reflects a broader partnership with the GTU, rooted in nearly two decades of collaboration and shared struggle.
Teachers as frontline defenders of students’ safety
Across The Gambia, rising cases of gender-based violence have made it clear that schools cannot stand aside.
Teachers—often the first to notice signs of abuse—are uniquely positioned to intervene. The Brikama training focused on strengthening educators’ knowledge of different forms of GBV, from physical and emotional violence to psychological abuse, while building
practical skills to report cases and support survivors.
Participants engaged in discussions on stigma, underreporting, and the systemic barriers that prevent justice, while also developing strategies to promote safe and inclusive learning environments.
The training resulted in increased awareness, as well as a growing network of educators committed to acting as advocates for change in their schools and communities.
A long-term union commitment to gender justice
For the Gambia Teachers’ Union, this work is far from new. It is part of a long-standing struggle embedded in its organising and advocacy.
“Our relationship with INTO is way back, maybe 18 years ago,” explained GTU General Secretary Marie-Antoinette Corr. “We established a partnership and later on we had discussions about what is happening in The Gambia, vis-à-vis school-related gender-based violence.”
GTU General Secretary Marie-Antoinette Corr.
She recalled how the union actively sought international solidarity to expand its efforts: “We want support on gender-based violence, because even though Gambia is very small, you have a lot of gender-based violence cases.”
The first training, supported through this partnership, proved transformative, she acknowledged.
Since then, the union has continued to expand its initiatives, working with multiple partners and embedding GBV prevention into its strategic plans and daily work.
Building union power through community impact
The fight against GBV has also strengthened the union itself. “It is an everyday thing,” Marie-Antoinette Corr stressed, highlighting how the GTU integrates gender equality into its broader work, from policymaking to community outreach.
The impact is concrete, not only in safer schools, but in stronger recognition for the union’s work.
“That space is given to us because of the work we are doing, because of the recognition we got. They know we are doing well,” she said, pointing to increased engagement with government institutions and policymaking bodies.
By addressing real challenges faced by communities, the union has built trust, strengthened social dialogue, and increased its capacity to organise and represent educators.
International solidarity in action
As INTO Deputy General Secretary Deirdre O’Connor noted, “trade union solidarity does not stop at national borders.”
She emphasised the shared responsibility of unions worldwide: “Strong teacher unions are essential for protecting the rights of educators, improving working conditions and ensuring that every child has access to quality education.”
Through such partnerships, unions exchange knowledge, strengthen capacity, and build a collective response to global challenges like gender-based violence, she underlined.
A shared global struggle for equality in education
While contexts differ, the issue of gender-based violence resonates globally, including in Ireland and beyond.
“Gender-based violence remains an issue in every society,” said Deirdre O’Connor, while stressing the crucial role of education: “Schools play an important role in promoting respect, equality and healthy relationships, while also supporting children and young
people who may be affected by violence or abuse. Education is one of the most powerful tools we have for creating a more equal and just society.”
______________________________
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