Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin, 20 May 2026
Norman Mampane
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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
20 May 2026
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- National Treasury extends public comment period for draft Capital Flow Management Regulations
- South Africa
- COSATU North-West joins its ally, the ANC North-West and the North-West Province community in mourning the passing of Bra Bushy
- Special Investigating Unit welcomes arrests and convictions linked to UIF-TERS fraud
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- African workers salute Togo's bold Pan-African Visa-Free Policy
- WFTU 2026 Action Plan
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics#ClassWar
National Treasury extends public comment period for draft Capital Flow Management Regulations
15 May 2026
Extension of deadline for public comment on the Draft Capital Flow Management Regulations, 2026 (Formerly Known as the Exchange Control Regulations, 1961)
National Treasury and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) hereby notify stakeholders that the deadline for submitting public comments on the draft Capital Flow Management Regulations, 2026 (draft Regulations) has been extended from 18 May 2026 to 30 June 2026. The extension notice will be gazetted in due course.
The draft Regulations, published on 17 April 2026, can be accessed on the National Treasury website (www.treasury.gov.za). This extension is granted following requests to allow stakeholders additional time to review the draft Regulations and provide input.
Media attention and public concerns have already been raised on the draft Regulations. Thus far, most of these concerns relate to the treatment, possession and trade of crypto assets, specifically the potential restrictions on cross-border transactions. Some of these critical concerns are addressed below.
Future
treatment of crypto assets The draft Regulations do not intend to criminalise the possession of crypto assets or to apply the Regulations retrospectively. A proposed cross-border crypto asset framework, in the form of a draft manual, will soon be released
for public comment to complement the draft Regulations. This draft manual will provide clarity on the proposed activities that would result in a crypto asset transaction being considered as cross-border and the transaction being subject to appropriate capital
flow management measures.
The manual will also outline the obligations and responsibilities of authorised crypto asset service providers. The draft cross-border crypto asset framework is designed to enable lawful cross-border crypto asset transactions within clear guidelines, reducing
uncertainty and protecting the integrity of the financial system under the capital flow management framework.
The Constitution protects various rights, including property rights, while also recognising that suspected illicit activities warrant the attention of the authorities.
Undermining private ownership
The concerns that holders of crypto assets, or even other assets like gold or foreign currency, may in certain circumstances be required to sell these to the state or banks dealing in foreign exchange are misplaced. Any requirement to dispose of these assets would arise only under limited circumstances, such as where an offence has been committed.
Further, there have been various exemptions and relaxations of exchange controls over the years, resulting in South Africans being able to legitimately externalise capital for foreign investment diversification or hold foreign assets in various forms.
The current draft Regulations are meant to strengthen the authorities’ abilities to detect, deter or disrupt illicit financial flows. The proposed framework will complement the regulatory regimes already implemented by the Financial Intelligence Centre and Financial Sector Conduct Authority.
Public comment submissions
Written comments on the draft Regulations must be sent to National Treasury at Commentdraf...@treasury.gov.za by close of business on Tuesday, 30 June 2026.
Following the deadline, National Treasury and the SARB will consider the written comments and make appropriate revisions.
For any queries, please email Me...@treasury.gov.za and Me...@resbank.co.za.
Issued by National Treasury
South Africa #ClassSolidarity
COSATU North-West joins its ally, the ANC North-West and the North-West Province community in mourning the passing of Bra Bushy
Kabelo Kgoro, COSATU North-West Provincial Secretary, 20 May 2026
COSATU in the North-West province joins its ally, the African National Congress in the province and the entire community of the North-West province in mourning the former Premier of the province, Cde Kaobitsa ‘Bra Bushy’ Maape.
Many have said many things that describe the decorated life of Bra Bushy.
As COSATU in the province we wish to add our voice of condolences to his family and loved ones, to his beloved political party the African National Congress and to his friends and comrades.
The Spear of Bra Bushy has fallen, and we call on all those who recognised the commissar in him to pick it up and march forward, to learn from his life teachings both in the formal and political education landscape.
Even though many of us were not there during the times of the General and Allied Workers’ Union (GAWU) which is one of the unions that came together to form one of COSATU’s formidable unions today, the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU), we will always identify with him as one of our own.
We will forever be grateful to his contribution to our struggle for a national democratic revolution.
____________________
Special Investigating Unit welcomes arrests and convictions linked to UIF-TERS fraud
19 May 2026
SIU welcomes arrests, convictions, and preservation of over R27 million in siphoned UIF-TERS funds
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) welcomes the arrest and prosecution of suspects in Mpumalanga, the conviction and sentencing of a businessman in the Free State, and the preservation of assets obtained through the proceeds of crime. Together, these outcomes represent more than R27 million in UIF Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) funds that were siphoned from the State and are now preserved or recovered for the benefit of South Africans.
Mpumalanga Case: Ghost Employees, R26.9 Million Siphoned, and Preserved Assets
On Monday, 18 May 2026, Mr Fumu Mkalira Msiska (48), his wife, Gladness Mkhonto Msiska (48), and his brother-in-law, Bongani Zoran Mkhonto (39), appeared before the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud involving ghost employees in the UIF-TERS scheme.
The court granted bail of R300 000 each to Mr and Mrs Msiska, while Mr Mkhonto was granted bail of R3 000.
The High Court of South Africa, Mpumalanga Division, issued a preservation order against assets suspected to be proceeds of crime. These include properties in Pretoria, Middelburg, and White River, as well as bank accounts, equipment, and household goods. These assets have been secured pending forfeiture.
Vehicles Seized:
2019 Land Rover Range Rover L560
2011 Toyota Fortuner
2005 Mercedes-Benz C180 Kompressor
2015 BMW X6
2019 Mercedes-Benz V250D
2010 Caterpillar backhoe loader
During the investigation, the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit secured the freezing of bank accounts and the seizure of five vehicles, along with the preservation of three properties and other assets.
The SIU investigation revealed that the accused siphoned R26 943 793.19 from the UIF-TERS scheme by fabricating employees and submitting fraudulent claims. These ghost employees were used to channel public funds into private hands, depriving genuine workers of relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.
UIF-TERS Claims (Six-Month Period):
April 2020: 724 ghost employees
May 2020: 587 ghost employees
June 2020: 743 ghost employees
July 2020: 763 ghost employees
August 2020: 767 ghost employees
September 2020: 773 ghost employees
It is further alleged that the funds were transferred from A and F Consulting to Khulani Quality Contribution, a company linked to Msiska’s wife. The brother-in-law, Mkhonto, allegedly acted as a runner by sourcing identification particulars used to facilitate fraudulent claims involving ghost employees and former workers of the company.
When the SIU and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) interviewed some of the individuals from the North West and Mpumalanga whose details were used, it emerged that their information had been obtained through scams promising special grants, free driving licences, or stolen from the local Sheriff’s Office.
The consequence of stolen personal information has had real-life impact. In 2022, the Hawks in KwaZulu-Natal received a complaint from a member of the public who struggled to receive maternity benefits from the UIF after being informed that a company named Consulting Engineers had claimed UIF-TERS benefits on her behalf. She alleged that her information was used fraudulently and requested a police investigation. The matter was later referred to the Hawks in Mpumalanga, who requested the assistance of the SIU, as the unit already had an existing proclamation covering the matter.
Free State Case: Conviction and Repayment of R201 812
Meanwhile, in the Free State, the Heilbron Magistrates’ Court convicted and sentenced Mr Ente Thibello Sekhoto (51) and his company, Batlokoa Circle 12 Plaster Services (Pty) Ltd, for fraud and money laundering related to UIF-TERS benefits.
The SIU investigation found that Sekhoto fraudulently applied for relief funds on behalf of individuals who were not employed by his company, resulting in the UIF paying R201 812.36 into his company’s bank account. The Department of Employment and Labour suffered a direct financial loss.
In line with the SIU Act, the SIU referred evidence of criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action. The NPA, working with the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, arrested Sekhoto. The court ordered Sekhoto and his company to jointly repay the National Department of Employment and Labour the amount of R201 812.36 within four years.
These developments highlight the SIU’s mandate under Proclamation R08 of 2021 to investigate maladministration and corruption in the UIF-TERS scheme, and to ensure that perpetrators face justice while unlawfully acquired assets are safeguarded.
The SIU continues to work closely with law enforcement partners, including the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority, to ensure that perpetrators of corruption face the full might of the law. These outcomes reaffirm the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting public funds and restoring trust in institutions.
The SIU is also authorised to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct wrongdoing uncovered during investigations and to recover financial losses suffered by the State, including funds paid for services not rendered.
Media
Enquiries:
Selby Makgotho
Spokesperson: Special Investigating Unit
Cell: 083 718 6128
Email: SIUM...@siu.org.za
Issued by Special Investigating Unit
International-Solidarity
African workers salute Togo's bold Pan-African Visa-Free Policy
19 May 2026
ITUC-Africa, representing over 18 million African workers, commends the Government of Togo for its historic decision to open its doors to all African citizens holding valid national passports — visa-free — for stays of up to 30 days.
This bold step is a powerful demonstration of Pan-Africanism, African unity, and continental integration as envisioned under Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
We also salute Rwanda, Benin, Seychelles, The Gambia, Ghana, and Kenya for leading by example. We call on all African governments yet to act to do so decisively — in the interest of African integration and shared prosperity.
But we must go further. Visa liberalisation alone is not enough. Africa must build regional industries, develop value chains, and create decent jobs for its workers. For too long, Africa has exported raw materials and imported finished goods — a model that has failed our workers and our continent.
At a time of growing global uncertainty, Africa must stand together — economically and politically. Togo's decision is not just a migration reform; it is a statement of African dignity, solidarity, and transformation.
Issued in Lomé, Togo
— Akhator Joel Odigie, General Secretary, ITUC-Africa
____________________________
by WFTU HQ, 19 May 2026
WFTU Action Plan for 2026
JANUARY
12-17: WFTU high-level visit to Palestine
FEBRUARY
20: World Day of Social Justice
MARCH
4: TUI Metal European meeting in Basque Country
8: International Working Women Day
21: International Day Against Racism
UNCSW, in New York, USA
356th Session of the ILO Governing Body
WFTU Secretariat Meeting
APRIL
6-12: WFTU Solidarity Week with Cuba
28: World Day for Safety and Health at Work
MAY
1: Mayday Celebrations and Demonstrations
9: Antifascist Victory Anniversary
12-13: WFTU Presidential Council Meeting
Regional meeting of the TUI Chemistry and Energy for Latin America and the Caribbean
52nd session of the Conference of the Arab Labour Organisation
JUNE
2-13: 114th ILC Geneva, International Labor Conference and Informal Presidential Council along with the WFTU friends and open WFTU Activity
12: World Day Against Child Labour
20: World Refugee Day
JULY
Secretariat Meeting
26: International Day of Solidarity with Cuba
Virtual Meeting of the Committee of Trade Union and Democratic Rights
AUGUST
6: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
12: International Youth Day
SEPTEMBER
1: International Action Day for Peace
Regional sub-saharian meeting African in Tanzania
OCTOBER
1: International Action Day of the TUI Pensioners (PyJ) on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons
3: WFTU anniversary – International Action Day
5: International Action Day of FISE on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day
17: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
NOVEMBER
7: October Revolution
9: International Day Against Fascism
20-21: WFTU Asia – Pacific Regional Meeting
25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
29: International Solidarity Day with the Palestinian people
359th Session of the ILO Governing Body
Secretariat Meeting
DECEMBER
10: Human Rights Day
18: International Migrants Day
To be determined and added with a specific date:
Commemorative activities for the 35th anniversary of the WFTU Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean in Cuba
Congress of the TUIs (BIFU, HOTOUR, TEXGAL)
Seminars:
Rural Workers and the International Trade Agreement in Gyuana
Artificial Intelligence and Labour in Venezuela
Argentina: International Seminar on the history of Trade Union movement in Argentina: SAMC 80th Anniversary
Seminar: The flexible form of employment and the trade union role in Italy
Seminar: The labour force and the minimum wage in Greece
Seminar: The Economic Crisis and Its Impact on Trade Union Organisation and Their Struggle, in Indonesia
Seminar: The Youth Working Condition and the Trade Union Movement in Malaysia
Seminar: Working conditions and workers’ rights in the era of AI in India
Seminar: The international organisation and the Trade Union Movement in Egypt
Seminar: Energy and AI in Zambia and Zimbabwe
Seminar: Inflation and the Trade Union Movement in Bahrain
______________________________
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