Taking COSATU Today Forward, 9 March 2026
Norman Mampane
|
COSATU TODAY COSATU Call Center Contacts: 010 002 2590 #EqualPay #GenderEquality #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
9 March 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!
- SAMWU will not allow anti-worker DA to reverse workers’ gains in Gauteng
- Media Invite: SAMWU to convene its 13th National Congress under the theme “Towards 4 Decades and Beyond in Defence of Workers’ Interests”
- South Africa
- COSATU observes International Women’s Day
- SADTU Statement on International Women’s Day
- SADTU Free State concerned about closure of schools due to infrastructure challenges
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- International Women’s Day 2026: When women access justice, democracy wins
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
SAMWU will not allow anti-worker DA to reverse workers’ gains in Gauteng
Mpho Tladinyane, SAMWU Gauteng Provincial Secretary, 8 March 2026
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) expresses its full solidarity with municipal workers in the City of Johannesburg in the face of continued attempts by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to undermine the implementation of the Politically Facilitated Agreement (PFA) intended to correct long-standing salary disparities affecting thousands of workers in the municipality.
The recent decision by the DA to serve legal papers in an attempt to stop the implementation of this agreement confirms what workers across the country have long known: the DA has consistently positioned itself as a political formation that is hostile to workers and their rights. Time and again, the DA has sought to undermine collective bargaining agreements, reverse hard-won labour gains, and portray workers’ wages as the primary cause of municipal challenges.
The developments in Johannesburg must also be understood in the broader political context of similar positions taken by the DA in other municipalities, most notably in the City of Tshwane. In Tshwane, the DA-led administration refused to implement legally negotiated wage agreements and dragged workers through years of litigation and uncertainty. Today, the same party seeks to interfere in Johannesburg in an attempt to prevent workers from receiving the financial adjustments that arise from the Politically Facilitated Agreement concluded after extensive negotiations.
For SAMWU, this is not an isolated incident but part of a clear and consistent pattern in which the DA attempts to erode workers’ rights whenever it governs or influences municipal administrations. These attacks are particularly troubling given that the overwhelming majority of municipal workers are black workers who rely on their wages not only to support their immediate households but also extended family networks. In many communities, a single worker’s income sustains multiple dependents, including unemployed relatives, elderly parents and school-going children.
Attempts to reverse wage agreements therefore have consequences that extend far beyond the workplace. They directly affect the livelihoods of entire families and communities that depend on municipal workers for survival.
As SAMWU, we wishes to make it clear that the agreement reached in Johannesburg is not a reckless or arbitrary wage increase as portrayed by the DA. The Politically Facilitated Agreement is intended to address historical salary disparities that have existed for decades within the City of Johannesburg. It represents a negotiated process aimed at correcting wage injustices and restoring fairness to workers who have been systematically disadvantaged for many years.
We categorically make it clear and known that as a Union, we will not allow the DA or any political formation to strip workers of gains that have been achieved through years of struggle, negotiation and sacrifice. Workers fought for these gains and they must be honoured.
As the country moves closer to the next local government elections, workers have an opportunity to reflect carefully on the political choices before them. Municipal workers and their families have seen clearly where the DA stands when it comes to the interests of workers. It is a party that repeatedly seeks to roll back labour gains, undermine collective agreements and shift the burden of municipal financial challenges onto the shoulders of workers.
SAMWU therefore calls on workers, their families and the broader working-class communities to reject political formations that seek to undermine workers’ rights. If the DA were to gain control of more strategic municipalities, the experiences seen in Tshwane and the current attempts to interfere in Johannesburg provide a clear indication of what workers can expect: further attempts to reverse labour gains and weaken collective bargaining outcomes.
At the same time, we call on the leadership of the City of Johannesburg to stand firm in defence of its workforce. A municipality that claims to care about service delivery must also care about the workers who provide those services on a daily basis. Defending workers and honouring agreements reached through negotiation is an essential part of building a stable and functional municipal administration.
The City must therefore ensure that the commitments made through the Politically Facilitated Agreement are honoured and that workers receive the monies due to them in accordance with the agreed implementation framework.
As SAMWU, we remain committed to defending the rights, dignity and livelihoods of municipal workers and will continually oppose class enemies like the DA that seek to undermine collective bargaining and workers’ rights.
We will continue to mobilise, organise and, where necessary, pursue all avenues to ensure that the gains made by workers in Johannesburg, and across the country are protected from political interference.
Issued by SAMWU Gauteng Province
_______________
Media Invite: SAMWU to convene its 13th National Congress under the theme “Towards 4 Decades and Beyond in Defence of Workers’ Interests”
Papikie Mohale, SAMWU National Media Officer, 03 March 2026
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) will convene its 13th National Congress from 17 to 19 March 2026 at Church Unlimited, Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.
Held under the theme “Towards 4 Decades and Beyond in Defence of Workers’ Interests,” this Congress marks an important milestone as the Union reflects on nearly forty years of militant struggle, organisational consolidation, and unwavering defence of municipal and water sector workers.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the open sessions of Congress on 17 and 19 March 2026.
The Congress will be addressed by the national leadership of the Alliance partners: The African National Congress (ANC), The South African Communist Party (SACP), The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).
These addresses will engage the political, economic and social challenges confronting workers and outline the programme required to defend and advance working-class interests.
The 13th National Congress will deliberate on key organisational, political and collective bargaining matters, including strategies to strengthen the Union and respond decisively to the deepening crisis in local government.
Members of the media are encouraged to confirm their attendance with the National Media Officer, Cde Papikie Mohale, at pap...@samwu.org.za in order to secure accreditation by 10 March 2026.
Please note that only accredited members of the media will be allowed access to the Congress venue.
Issued by SAMWU Secretariat
Papikie Mohale
National Media Officer
076 795 8670
South Africa #ClassSolidarity
COSATU observes International Women’s Day
Zanele Sabela, COSATU Spokesperson, 8 March 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions joins millions around world in observing International Women’s Day. In South Africa 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings, where 20 000 women of all races and backgrounds demonstrated the might of collective action and denounced the oppressive pass laws of the apartheid regime.
As a society, we have made immeasurable progress since then, but there are still challenges that need confronting. Incidents of gender-based violence (GBV) against women, children, and persons with disabilities remain alarmingly high. Government has declared GBV a national disaster, although the National Budget tabled in February didn’t allocate sufficient resources to overcome this scourge.
In the private sector more than 60% of senior management posts are held by white men 32 years into democracy. The public sector, on the other hand, has fared better with representation levels approaching gender parity at more than 45%. The picture is bleaker, however, when looking at the unemployment rate.
The expanded unemployment rate for women is 11.8% higher than that of men at 46.9%, with black women and youth being the most impacted. Deepening the disparity, women are more likely to be in precarious employment paying lower wages or unpaid care work.
Traditionally, women’s work has been undervalued even in the formal sector where women tend to get paid less than their male counterparts, resulting in a gender pay gap of between 23% to 35%. Even more undervalued, however, is the work that upholds society including childcare, healthcare, eldercare, disability support and domestic work. These services make it possible for families to function, workers to participate in the economy and communities to progress. However, despite its vital role, the care economy remains one of the most undervalued sectors.
The care economy is set to occupy centre stage when COSATU convenes its National Gender Conference later this International Women’s Month, from 26 to 27 March. Delibarations will be aimed at ensuring care workers are recognised, rewarded, and represented across all spheres of society.
The conference will also deliberate on the following:
- GBV and sexual harassment, including the implementation of the International Labour Organisation’s Convention 190/R206, which relate to the elimination of violence (including GBV) and harassment in the workplace.
- Gender and climate change: Examining the impact on workers with disabilities.
- Engendering collective bargaining, in particular advancing parental rights and maternity protection.
- Ensuring implementation of COSATU’s gender policies and organisational power.
The conference will also elect National Gender Office Bearers who will assume responsibility to ensure that the Federation’s work of striving for gender equality is taken forward.
Issued by COSATU
____________________
SADTU Statement on International Women’s Day
Dr Mugwena Maluleke, SADTU General Secretary, 08 March 2025
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) joins the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day on 08 March under the theme “Give to Gain.”
International Women’s Day is observed worldwide to honour the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, while also amplifying the ongoing call for gender equality and justice.
Empowering women can never be overemphasised. It is a cornerstone for sustainable development, economic growth, strong leadership, and peaceful societies. As the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said: “If we are going to see real development in the world, then our best investment is women.”
As a union in the education sector, SADTU understands that education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming society and advancing gender equality. It is therefore encouraging to see the increasing participation and outstanding performance of girl learners in the education system.
Girls continue to outperform boys in the National Senior Certificate examinations, with higher enrolment numbers, improved pass rates, and more Bachelor passes qualifying them for university entrance. In the 2025 matric examinations, girls constituted 56% of the candidates, and a greater proportion achieved university entrance exemptions compared to boys. Girls also continue to dominate the lists of top achievers across the country.
These achievements reflect the determination, resilience, and potential of young women in South Africa. However, while progress has been made, gender inequality and discrimination against women and girls remain a reality in many aspects of society.
SADTU welcomes the legislative and policy frameworks that have been introduced to advance gender equality and protect the rights of women. However, laws alone are not enough if they are not effectively implemented and closely monitored to ensure compliance.
Real change requires a collective commitment from government, institutions, communities, and individuals to challenge patriarchy, eradicate gender-based violence, and create safe and supportive environments where women and girls can thrive.
On this International Women’s Day, SADTU calls on all sectors of society to continue investing in the empowerment of women and girls through quality education, leadership opportunities, economic participation, and the protection of their rights and dignity.
The union further salutes women educators who continue to play a critical role in shaping the minds and futures of generations of learners, often under difficult circumstances. Their contribution to nation-building and social transformation cannot be overstated.
SADTU remains committed to the struggle for gender equality, the empowerment of women, and the creation of a just and inclusive society where the rights and dignity of all women are respected and protected.
ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat
_______________________
SADTU Free State concerned about closure of schools due to infrastructure challenges
Bricks Moloi, SADTU Free State Provincial Secretary, 08 March 2026
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union in Free State in deeply concerned, but not surprised, by the suspension of classes at Matla Primary School in Bloemfontein due to poor infrastructure that pose a health risk to learners, teachers, and support staff.
The school was declared unsafe by the Labour Inspectors after discovering that the school kitchen, learners’ toilets, and some classrooms were not complying with occupational and health requirements.
The Union has also learned of the shut-down of St Benedict Primary School in Ladybrand on the 06th of March 2026 due to infrastructure challenges. The situation has a potential to spread to many schools across the province that face similar infrastructure challenges, some of which were already closed at the beginning year.
It must be noted that, as SADTU, we have on numerous occasions raised the issue of infrastructure in many schools during meetings with the senior officials of the Department of Education, as these conditions pose health risks to learners, teachers, and support staff.
The problem of infrastructure extends to offices at the level of districts. In the bargaining Council (PELRC) infrastructure has been a standing item where the Department of Education reports on the provisioning of school infrastructure. Unfortunately, these reports demonstrate little progress in addressing infrastructure challenges in schools and offices.
It is unfortunate that the department of Education only acts after the Department of Labour has taken stringent measures such as closing a school. We believe that with the increased visibility of Labour Inspectors in schools and offices, more institutions are going to be declared unsafe.
We call on the MEC and HOD for Education in the province to take stock of the schools with infrastructure challenges with intention to speedily address the problem as it has already affected teaching and learning in these schools. Educators will later be expected to cover up through extra classes for the time lost, even though the lost time is not of their making. This is despite the fact that the problem is known to the Department of Education but lacks proper execution.
We further note with concern the austerity measures imposed on education. However, believe that with the Budget Speech increasing funding for education, the provincial budget will also improve to enable the province to address the infrastructure challenges.
Issued by Provincial Secretariat
International-Solidarity
International Women’s Day 2026: When women access justice, democracy wins
8 March 2026
International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026 comes at a time of a growing global backlash against gender equality, human rights and democratic labour rights, and increasing discrimination, racism and violence against women.
In this context, access to justice for women is a cornerstone for advancing democracy and peace, and a concrete driver of social justice.
Despite international commitments under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Platform for Action and the Sustainable Development Goals, women continue to face systemic barriers to justice:
§ Discriminatory laws.
§ Under-resourced institutions.
§ Shrinking civic space.
§ Structurally unequal access to decision-making processes.
The 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) will discuss access to justice for women and girls. It is critical to ensure that the final agreed conclusions support workers’ demands for governments to:
§ Guarantee access to justice for all women and girls as a pillar of democracy and peace. This requires gender-responsive and adequately financed justice systems and protected democratic institutions, legal and policy measures that address multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination against women, and effective remedies for survivors of all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.
§ Enforce women’s labour rights through effective access to justice. This must include ratifying and implementing international labour standards, including those on freedom of association and collective bargaining; ensuring gender-responsive labour dispute prevention and resolution mechanisms with investment in dedicated legal aid for women; and promoting women’s legal literacy and equitable participation in decision-making processes.
§ Deliver economic justice through decent work, by adopting legal and policy reforms that promote equal opportunities for women to access full and productive employment, social protection, safe and healthy working conditions, and the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work. There must also be investment in quality public services and comprehensive care systems, with policies to close the gender pay gap and regulate digitalisation and platform work.
Trade unions play a pivotal role in ensuring women’s access to justice and advancing gender equality both in the workplace and beyond. We remain committed to leading change and making justice for women a reality worldwide.
In this effort, the courage of women leaders such as Chow Hang-tung – vice-chair of the Hong Kong Alliance, currently on trial for exercising her rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly – inspires us and strengthens our resolve to defend democratic values and human rights.
Join our call to release Chow Hang-tung, Lee Cheuk-yan and all trade unionists and activists imprisoned for exercising their rights. Sign the petition and spread the word. Find materials for social media here.
______________________________
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