Taking COSATU Today Forward, 10 April 2026 #CosatuMayDay2026
Norman Mampane
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COSATU TODAY COSATU Call Center Contacts: 010 002 2590 Workers remember #ChrisHani… #COSATU National May Day will be celebrated at Polokwane, Limpopo on May 1 #ClassWar #Cosatu40 #SACTU70 #ClassStruggle “Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism” #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
10 April 2026
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- NEHAWU strongly condemns the unscrupulous behaviour of NUPSAW in misleading Community Health Workers about our struggle for their permanent employment
- Employment and Labour on unlawful and unauthorised individuals masquerading as labour inspectors
- Media accreditation for COSATU May Day celebrations officially open
- Stakeholders and interested parties invited to make written and/or oral submissions on the Special Appropriation Bill [B3 – 2026].
- South Africa
- COSATU remembers liberation fighter Chris Thembisile Hani
- Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi: Release of Protected Disclosures Bill for Public Comment
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- Unions fight to save 2,400 jobs in South Africa’s ferrochrome sector
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
NEHAWU strongly condemns the unscrupulous behaviour of NUPSAW in misleading Community Health Workers about our struggle for their permanent employment
Zola Saphetha, NEHAWU General Secretary, April 09, 2026
“Hide nothing from the masses of our people. Tell no lies. Expose lies whenever they are told. Mask no difficulties, mistakes, failures. Claim no easy victories.” - Amilcar Cabral
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] strongly condemns the unscrupulous behaviour of NUPSAW on misleading Community Healthcare Workers about our struggle for their permanent employment.
As NEHAWU, we normally don’t respond to non-sensical diatribe but on NUPSAW, we take an exception. Recently, we have observed a nuisance obsession of NEHAWU by this fly-by-night opportunistic union. They have been issuing misleading newsflashes and statements to community healthcare workers about the progress of their permanent employment and in their desperation have resorted to lies about NEHAWU.
We are not surprised by the desperation and jealousy shown by NUPSAW in an attempt to divide workers and mislead Community Healthcare Workers. Hence, we will expose their lies and the claim of easy victories.
The struggle for the permanent employment of Community Healthcare Workers has been a struggle that the union has championed for years without the evolvement of NUPSAW. This struggle has been intertwined with the struggle for health transformation and introduction of the National Health Insurance [NHI].
As NEHAWU, we have always understood the importance of CHWs in the holistic transformation of healthcare system as they are the first line of support between the communities and various health and social development services. They empower communities to make informed choices about their health and psychosocial wellbeing and provide ongoing care and support to communities.
We must remind the public and CHWs at large, that it is this opportunistic NUPSAW that in 2018 had opposed discussions at Public Health and Social Development Sectoral Bargaining Council [PHSDSBC] on the absorption of the CHWs until they were forced hence the signing of Resolution 1 of 2018.
As NEHAWU, we signed PHSDSBC Resolution 1 of 2018 because it was a stepping stone towards a greater goal in the standardization of remuneration for CHW’s in line with the call for the national minimum wage at the time.
It is ironic that today, the same union that had opposed discussions at the PHSDSBC on the permanent employment of CHWs would suddenly be in the forefront of telling lies about NEHAWU and claiming easy victories about the struggle for the permanent absorption of CHWs.
It is NEHAWU in 2019 that declared a dispute when the employer was not willing to permanently employ CHWs and had failed to finalise the modalities meant to facilitate permanent employment of CHWs. The dispute eventually gave rise to the National Strike of Community Health Workers. The question that must be asked is where was this opportunistic NUPSAW then?
Equally, in 2024, the red revolutionary union took the employer to the Labour Court to review an arbitration award that had ruled against our application to force the employer to appoint CHWs permanently because they failed to demonstrate justifiable reasons why CHWs are kept in recurring fixed-term contracts.
Indeed, in January 2025, the Labour Court delivered a landmark ruling in NEHAWU’s favour, declaring that all Community Health Workers must be deemed permanent employees. This was as a result of NEHAWU’s persistent campaign to secure permanent employment for Community Health Workers.
Since the landmark judgement, progress has been done in employing permanently CHWs, with more than 20 000 CHWs permanent employed from the initial 27 000 that was presented in parliament by the Minister of Health. We have been hard at work trying to finalise the appointment of the remaining 16 000.
The union will be meeting urgently with the Minister of Health to address matters pertaining the permanent appointment of Community Healthcare Workers. Equally, the union will be consulting with lawyers on the intention of taking the Department of Health to court over its non-implementation of the court order and the implementation agreement.
Furthermore, we will be convening a national meeting in the week of the 13th of April 2026 to consolidate our position and agree on the way forward. The union, post the national meeting will embark on membership meetings to give feedback to Community Healthcare Workers.
Lastly, we reiterate once more that the union shall continue fighting for the permanent absorption of all Community Health Workers irrespective of job description because we know that they have all been classified as CHW’s for years.
The union wants full employment benefits for CHW’s which are enjoyed by other public servants. We are also pushing for token of appreciation for those CHW’s that will be retiring or their ages are above the threshold as stipulated in the public service act and its legislations.
This is a fight we shall not dare falter until the bitter end. Community Healthcare Workers must not be misled by fly-by-night opportunistic unions such as NUPSAW.
END
Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat.
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Employment and Labour on unlawful and unauthorised individuals masquerading as labour inspectors
08 Apr 2026
The Department of Employment and Labour has noted with serious concern a video circulating on social media platform X, depicting an individual at a Steers outlet in Berea, Durban, engaging an employer on alleged labour-compliance matters.
The Department unequivocally distances itself from the actions shown in the video, which are unlawful and unauthorised.
Speaking on the matter, Acting Director-General Ms Jacky Molisane emphasised that the conduct depicted has no legal standing:
“The Department of Employment and Labour outright distances itself from the actions shown in the video. No individual or member of the public has the authority to conduct workplace inspections. Such actions are unlawful and misrepresent the mandate of the Department."
The Department reiterates that only duly appointed labour inspectors, designated in terms of applicable labour legislation, are empowered to conduct both proactive and reactive workplace inspections. The Department does not recognise or authorise activists, organisations, agents, or representatives to act as inspectors on its behalf.
Employers who are approached or confronted in the manner depicted in the video titled “U Sinqa Ulwela Abasebenzi Bakwa Steers e Berea" are urged to immediately report such incidents to law-enforcement agencies, as impersonation of an inspector constitutes a criminal offence.
Ms Molisane further warned against impersonation and misconduct saying; anyone presenting themselves as a labour inspector without lawful appointment is committing a criminal act and must be reported accordingly. The Department will not tolerate vigilantism or intimidation under the guise of enforcing workers' rights.
The Department further confirms that all labour inspectors operate under a strict Code of Conduct, and that it maintains a zero-tolerance stance on fraud and corruption. Any information relating to bribery or misconduct by inspectors must be reported via the Department's Fraud Hotline:
Fraud Hotline: 0860 666 883
E-mail: fr...@labour.gov.za
Website: www.labour.gov.za
Legitimate inspectors are clearly identifiable through an official departmental uniform and inspector identification card. Where doubt exists, employers are encouraged to record the inspector's details and verify their legitimacy with the Provincial Chief Inspector or the nearest Labour Centre, whose contact details are available on the Department's website.
The Department calls on the public, employers, and workers to respect the rule of law and to utilise lawful mechanisms to address labour concerns, ensuring the integrity of labour enforcement in South Africa.
Enquiries:
Departmental Spokesperson
Teboho Thejane
Cell: 082 697 0694
E-mail: teboho....@labour.gov.za
Issued by Department of Employment and Labour
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Media accreditation for COSATU May Day celebrations officially open
Zanele Sabela, COSATU Spokesperson, 08 April 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has officially opened media accreditation applications for Workers’ Day celebrations on 1 May 2026. The Federation will continue with its tradition of hosting celebrations across the country, with the national rally to be held at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The President of COSATU, Zingiswa Losi will deliver the keynote address, with messages of support from leaders of Alliance Partners: the African National Congress (ANC), South African Communist Party (SACP) and South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO).
COSATU National Office bearers will lead provincial commemorations, alongside leaders of affiliated trade unions and members of the Federation’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).
Applications to cover the national rally may be submitted to mam...@cosatu.org.za or non...@cosatu.org.za.
Alternatively, an application form can be completed via this link:
Media accreditation for COSATU May Day celebrations officially open – Fill out form
Applications to cover provincial rallies can be sent to the following contacts:
1. Western Cape- Mbekweni Sport Stadium (Paarl) at 10:00
Malvern de Bruyn 060 977 9027 or Cleopatra Kakaza 072 312 6822
2. Gauteng - Tsakane Stadium (Brakpan) at 10:00
Louisa Modikwe 082 297 2659 or Itumeleng Moloantoa 071 873 5238
3. Free State- Bultfontein Stadium (Bultfontein) at 10:00
Tiisetso Mahlatsi on 077 607 3012 or Mongezi Mbelwane on 072 308 7658
4. KwaZulu Natal Curries Fountain Stadium (Durban) at 10:00
Edwin Mkhize 082 339 7756 or Khaliphile Cotoza 082 339 5760
5. Mpumalanga- Kamagugu Stadium (Mbombela) at 10:00
Thabo Mokoena 082 799 5699 or James Mahlabane 064 753 9055
6. Northern Cape- Open Air Arena (Galeshewe) at 10:00
Thandi Makapela 079 481 9077
7. North West- Olympia Stadium (Rustenburg) at 10:00
Kabelo Kgoro 067 410 4696
8. Eastern Cape - Nangoa Jebe Hall – Gqeberha, Orient Theatre (kuGompo) – Buffalo City, Tobi Kula Indoor Sports Centre (Komani) and Lusikisiki College Great Hall at 10:00
Mkhawuleli Maleki 082 339 5482
Issued by COSATU
Zanele Sabela (COSATU Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: zan...@cosatu.org.za
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Stakeholders and interested parties invited to make written and/or oral submissions on the Special Appropriation Bill [B3 – 2026].
The Select Committee on Appropriations invites stakeholders and interested parties to make written and/or oral submissions on the Special Appropriation Bill [B3 – 2026]. The Bill was introduced by the Minister of Finance on 25 February 2026. The Money Bills and Related Matters Act, No. 13 of 2018, requires Parliament to conduct public hearings and report on all Bills.
The closing date for written submissions, or to indicate your intention to make an oral presentation, is 14:00 on Friday, 24 April 2026. Public hearings on the Bill will be held virtually by the Select Committee on Appropriations on Tuesday, 28 April 2026 at 09:00.
Submissions must be sent to the Committee Secretariat: Mr Lubabalo Nodada at Lno...@parliament.gov.za or Ms Estelle Grunewald at egrun...@parliament.gov.za.
South Africa #ClassSolidarity
COSATU remembers liberation fighter Chris Thembisile Hani
Nonzuzo Dlamini, COSATU Communication Officer, 10 April 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) honours the legacy of the fearless freedom fighter and giant of the liberation movement, Chris Thembisile Hani. Whilst the day of his death remains an aching wound, the country is forever indebted to his unrelentless combative resistance to racism under apartheid.
For Hani and many other anti-apartheid stalwarts, the quest for freedom meant selflessness and sacrifice. Their youth and innocence were traded for exile and imprisonment, leaving loved ones in exchange for democracy and equality.
The day of his assassination today, 33 years ago, pierces against the unimaginable impact his presence would have had, had his life been spared. Nonetheless, his bold intelligence and impeccable impartiality towards the truth will remain arched in his legacy.
As an astute leader at the helm of both the African National Congress and its armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe, and the South African Communist Party, his example is more relevant each day. He resented capitalism and was unshaken in his belief in socialism which he repeatedly simplified as critical to the restoration of human dignity by providing decent housing, water and healthcare.
As some communities undoubtedly still battle with the inadequate provision of these essentials and the country reeling from the cancer of corruption, COSATU is encouraged that below the surface of hardship, the voice of the likes of Chris Hani emerges through positive initiatives such as the recently announced housing assistance for the residence of Ndwedwe in KwaZulu Natal, nearly 30 years after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) hearings.
COSATU hopes that Hani’s legacy will live on in government, in society and in humanity. He said: “What is important is the continuation of the struggle…the real problems of the country are not whether one is in Cabinet…but what we do for social upliftment of the working masses of our country.”
The example of comrade Chris is one that not only all leaders in the public and private sector must learn, but so too ordinary South Africans as we strive to build a just society for all, to liberate the working class from the yoke of exploitation, and to leave a better future for our children.
Most importantly, Comrade Chris was the living embodiment of the unity of the Tripartite Alliance, a unity that took decades of struggle, sacrifice and blood to build. The leadership of the Alliance must reflect on the values that Comrade Chris lived and died by.
Issued by COSATU
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Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi: Release of Protected Disclosures Bill for Public Comment
09 Apr 2026
Media Briefing Statement by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi on the release of the Protected Disclosures Bill for Public Comment
Deputy
Minister Andries Nel,
Acting Director-General,
Deputy Directors-General,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning and thank you for responding positively to our invitation at such short notice to join us in the release of this important Bill.
We have convened this media briefing to present to the people of South Africa the Protected
Disclosures Bill,
a proposed piece of legislation that arises largely from the findings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, commonly known as the Zondo Commission, as well as the recommendations of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council
(NACAC).
Our government has made fighting corruption a priority. Practically, corruption networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it harder for law enforcement to detect instances of corruption. Hence, whistleblowing is crucial in exposing these corruption
networks. We remain convinced that without strong and credible protection mechanisms, individuals will be discouraged from coming forward, thereby weakening accountability and undermining our collective efforts to combat corruption.
Colleagues and members of the media,
While the current legislation exists, there have been numerous instances of whistle-blowers suffering occupational detriment, including suspension and dismissal. In some cases, dismissals are used to punish employees, payouts of benefits are delayed, and tragically,
some whistle-blowers have lost their lives.
In this regard, we acknowledge the late Babita Deokaran of the Gauteng Department of Health, as well as Martha Ngoye at PRASA, Athol Williams in relation to Bain & Company’s role at SARS, and the late Mpho Mafole of Ekurhuleni Municipality, among others.
Furthermore, when pursuing legal recourse, many whistle-blowers are left to navigate complex processes without adequate institutional support, often while having lost their livelihoods and properties such as their homes and vehicles.
While the existing Act provides a framework for disclosures, it has been found, particularly by the Zondo Commission and supported by the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council in its final report to the President, to be inadequate in several key respects.
These include, among others, the absence of clear procedures for handling disclosures, insufficient protection for whistle-blowers, limited support mechanisms for disclosers, and a lack of coordinated systems to ensure that disclosures are effectively received
and acted upon.
This Bill seeks to address these shortcomings by introducing a strengthened and more comprehensive framework for the protection of disclosers. It aims to ensure that individuals who come forward have a secure reporting channel, are protected from retaliation,
supported throughout the process, and that their disclosures are handled efficiently by appropriately capacitated individuals and institutions.
In developing this Bill, in addition to the Zondo Commission findings and NACAC recommendations, we have drawn from international best practice. This includes comparative research across jurisdictions such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Kenya, Uganda,
Namibia and Botswana.
We have also considered key international instruments, including the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption and the United Nations Convention against Corruption, to ensure alignment with global standards and frameworks.
Accordingly, this Bill incorporates provisions of the existing Act, as well as enhancements informed by international legislation and best practice.
Members of the media,
This Bill introduces several important reforms. These include:
• A clear definition of a disclosure, detrimental action and occupational detriment in clauses 1, 2 and 3.
A disclosure is information revealing improper conduct in the public or private sector. Detrimental action is action resulting in unfair discrimination, action that threatens or violates the legal rights of a person disclosing or a related person, action that
amounts to intimidation or harassment, including conduct that causes personal harm or injury, or leads to loss of, or damage to, property or livelihood.
• It outlines mechanisms to protect the confidentiality of disclosures and disclosers in clauses 19 to 23.
The Bill prohibits the disclosure of the identity of a discloser or any information that may lead to their identification without their consent, except where strictly necessary for purposes of handling the disclosure. It further provides for restricted access
to information, in camera court proceedings, and the redaction of identifying details in legal processes. Any breach of these confidentiality provisions constitutes a criminal offence.
• The Bill provides for protection under the Witness Protection Act, 1998 in clause 22.
This extends formal state protection measures to disclosers and related persons where necessary, including access to protection programmes such as relocation, identity protection and security measures.
• It provides for legal assistance to disclosers in clause 23.
Where a discloser cannot afford legal representation, a court or tribunal may refer the matter to Legal Aid South Africa, which must provide legal assistance at state expense where substantial injustice would otherwise occur.
• The Bill introduces a complaints mechanism in clauses 24 to 26.
This mechanism is overseen by a retired judge designated by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice. It allows disclosers or related persons to lodge complaints where disclosures are not properly handled, where retaliation occurs, or where confidentiality
is threatened, and empowers the judge to investigate and refer matters for appropriate action.
• Furthermore, the Bill criminalises breaches of the legislation.
These include the suppression or concealment of evidence during an investigation, the unlawful disclosure of information or the identity of a discloser, and subjecting a discloser to occupational detriment or detrimental action. These offences attract serious
penalties, including fines and imprisonment of up to 10 or 15 years depending on the nature of the offence.
A disclosure is a protected disclosure if it is made to the following individuals or institutions:
Every employer, including both the private and public sectors. All employers are required to develop procedures for receiving and managing disclosures, including the designation of an official responsible for handling such disclosures.
A legal practitioner or legal adviser.
A member of the Cabinet, Executive Council of a province, or a Municipal Council.
Institutions such as the Public Protector, the South African Human Rights Commission, the Commission for Gender Equality, the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities, the Public Service Commission, and the Auditor-General.
The Bill further provides for the establishment of a central database for disclosures to improve coordination and prevent duplication of investigations. This database will be developed and maintained by the Director-General of the Department of Justice and
Constitutional Development, who will designate officials to oversee its operation, monitoring and functionality. Importantly, no personal information of a discloser will be stored on the database.
The Bill strengthens timelines and accountability in the handling of disclosures. Disclosures must be acknowledged within five days, decisions taken within ten days, and investigations completed within 12 months, subject to limited extensions. The central database
will enable tracking, monitoring and accountability in ensuring compliance with these timelines.
Importantly, the Bill introduces enhanced protections to ensure that no discloser suffers harm for coming forward. It explicitly prohibits occupational detriment or any form of retaliation and places the burden on the employer or relevant party to prove that
any action taken was not linked to the disclosure. It also provides access to witness protection and legal assistance, ensuring a comprehensive support system for disclosers.
However, the Bill also provides for the revocation of protection in limited circumstances, including where a discloser has participated in the wrongdoing, intentionally made false statements, or made disclosures to avoid disciplinary action.
Conversely, any person who unlawfully discloses the identity of a discloser or suppresses evidence during an investigation commits a serious offence and may face imprisonment or fines.
To incentivise whistleblowing, the Bill also introduces the possibility of financial awards in certain cases where disclosures lead to successful enforcement outcomes.
These measures are designed not only to protect disclosers, but also to promote a culture of accountability and transparency across both the public and private sectors.
We now release this Bill for public comment and engagement. We encourage all stakeholders, including civil society, business, labour, and members of the public, to participate in this process and provide inputs that will strengthen this important piece of legislation.
The full Bill will be made available on our website, and the closing date for submissions is 14 May 2026. We encourage everyone to take time to go through the bill and make the submission before the closing date.
Together, we must build a legal framework that not only protects those who speak out against wrongdoing, but also actively supports and values their contribution to building an ethical and accountable society.
I thank you.
Issued by Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
International-Solidarity
Unions fight to save 2,400 jobs in South Africa’s ferrochrome sector
9 April, 2026
More than 2,400 workers in South Africa's ferrochrome sector face retrenchment after Glencore-Merafe Chrome Venture and Samancor Chrome pressed ahead with Section 189 notices, despite a union-brokered electricity tariff deal. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), affiliates of IndustriALL Global Union, are demanding the notices be withdrawn immediately.
In South Africa’s ferrochrome sector, where once-bustling smelters now lie dormant, unions are fighting to save jobs. The sector, long a pillar of the country’s mineral beneficiation programmes, has fallen idle due to high electricity costs and under-utilization. At present, only 11 of the country’s 66 ferrochrome furnaces are operational.
Unions secure tariff deal
After intensive lobbying, a modest breakthrough appeared on 27 February 2025 when Glencore-Merafe Chrome and Samancor Chrome secured an agreement with Eskom, the state-owned power utility, to pay R0.62 (US$0.033) per kilowatt-hour instead of the R0.877 (US$0.047) approved in January. The tariff had previously stood at R1.36 (US$0.073) per kilowatt-hour, according to NUM. Eskom granted the reduction on condition that smelters that had been shut down be brought back into production, subject to a five-year contract, annual tariff reviews, revenue-recovery mechanisms and other safeguards designed to protect the utility’s own precarious finances.
Companies press ahead with retrenchments despite tariff deal
The apparent compromise has quickly soured. The companies are dissatisfied with Eskom’s conditions, arguing against the long-term commitments and adjustment clauses. Rather than reopening idle furnaces, management has signalled its intention to proceed with retrenchments. The unions accuse the employers of negotiating in bad faith: after securing the lower tariff, Glencore-Merafe Chrome and Samancor Chrome are now backing away from commitments to job preservation and capacity restoration.
NUM expressed shock and disappointment, particularly over Samancor’s decision. “This move comes as a devastating blow to the workforce,” the union said, “particularly after NUM fought tirelessly to negotiate for lower electricity tariffs to ensure the sustainability of the company’s operations.”
NUMSA general secretary Irvin Jim is demanding the immediate withdrawal of all Section 189 notices, the reopening of mothballed smelters and a return to genuine negotiations with Eskom over the disputed conditions.
Jobs at stake in a country with 43 per cent unemployment
The stakes extend well beyond the two companies. South Africa’s extended unemployment rate stands at over 43 per cent. The destruction of thousands of formal-sector jobs carries significant knock-on effects for household incomes, local economies and social stability.
Paule-France Ndessomin, IndustriALL regional secretary for Sub-Saharan Africa, said:
“South Africa cannot afford to lose these jobs. With unemployment already at over 43 per cent, every formal-sector job that disappears takes a family’s income with it. These companies have a responsibility to their workers and to the communities that depend on them. Walking away from that responsibility is not a business decision, it is a social one, and IndustriALL is in full support of its affiliates NUM and NUMSA in their fight to save jobs.”
______________________________
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