Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin, 22 April 2026 #CosatuMayDay2026
Norman Mampane
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COSATU TODAY COSATU Call Center Contacts: 010 002 2590 #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 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
22 April 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!
- South African Communist Party Press Alert-SACP media invitation on latest developments on elections and the question of dual membership
- Media accreditation for COSATU May Day celebrations officially open
- South Africa
- SADTU condemns the killing of Palestinian school children in Gaza
- Committee notes trade budget’s focus on economic growth and job creation
- National Assembly passes the Division of Revenue Bill and the Special Appropriations Bill
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- ICN's call for International Nurses Day 2026: empower nurses to save lives
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics #ClassWar
South African Communist Party Press Alert-SACP media invitation on latest developments on elections and the question of dual membership
Mbulelo Mandlana, SACP Head of Media, Communications and Information, 22 April 2026
The South African Communist Party (SACP) invites the media to a press conference to deliver its perspective on the ANC’s decision to instruct members to show their allegiance to it, as opposed to the SACP, in the upcoming local government elections or face dire consequences.
Details of the press conference are as follows:
Date: Thursday, 23 April 2026
Time: 10h00
Venue: Cosatu House, 4th Floor, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
SACP General Secretary, Solly Mapaila, joined by national office bearers, will deliver the Party’s perspective on the matter.
ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNIST PARTY,
FOUNDED IN 1921 AS THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Media, Communications & Information Department | MCID
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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
South Africa #ClassSolidarity
SADTU condemns the killing of Palestinian school children in Gaza
Dr. Mugwena Maluleke, SADTU General Secretary, 22 April 2026
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) condemns, in the strongest terms, the reported killing and endangerment of Palestinian school children in the occupied West Bank, including the fatal shooting of a14-year-old near a village school in al‑Mughayyir on 21 April 2026 amid settler violence and the presence of Israeli forces.
Remember him. Remember his family. And do not look away. Do not be silent, because our silence is permission. His name was Aws Hamdi Alnasan
SADTU further condemns the reported firing of teargas at school children protesting blocked access to their school in Ummal‑Khair (MasaferYatta) on13 April 2026.
Schools must be safe spaces.
SADTU calls for the immediate protection of learners and educators, unhindered access to education, and swift, independent investigations that ensure accountability for all perpetrators and enablers of such attacks.
SADTU calls for sanctions against Israel and for the UN Security Council to stop these settlements in Gaza and West Bank.
ISSUEDBY: SADTU Secretariat
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Committee notes trade budget’s focus on economic growth and job creation
Parliament, Tuesday, 21 April 2026
The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition has noted the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (DTIC) focus on economic growth and job creation, following a briefing from the department on its 2026/27 annual performance plan.
The purpose of the meeting was to engage the department on its R11,7 billion budget allocation, its key performance indicators for the financial year and whether its plans will translate into real opportunities for South Africans. The committee’s engagement focused on job creation, transformation, manufacturing, beneficiation and trade within the African continent and other markets.
The department reported that the domestic economy is facing challenges from a range of external factors, such as global tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade, the volatile global climate due to recent wars and conflicts, and the consequent disruption of supply chains; and internal challenges, including energy and water supply, and inefficient rail and port logistics.
To minimise or address the impact of these, the department has ramped up its initiatives and capacitated its entities to improve support to industry. In this regard, it is continuing its focus on Diversification, Decarbonisation and Digitalisation, as well as on economic transformation and job creation.
It also indicated that it is continuing engagements with industry to find sustainable solutions to challenges faced by companies in critical sectors, such as the steel, sugar and manufacturing sectors. Furthermore, the department continues to seek solutions for the recapitalisation of the National Empowerment Fund. In this regard, it noted a recent partnership between the Industrial Development Corporation and the National Empowerment Fund to ensure that sufficient funds are available to ensure financing of black-owned businesses.
On the film incentives, the committee had requested the department to engage the industry to address the challenges experienced with the programme due to budgetary constraints. It reported that the Deputy Minister, Mr Zuko Godlimpi, and the team has held several meetings with the film industry . As a result, it has been processing the valid claims submitted by industry, from a contingent liability of R984 million from April 2025 to R285 million on 31 March 2026. The current budget allocation for films is just over R522 million.
The committee welcomed this intervention and urged the DTIC and the film industry to co-create a long-term, sustainable solution to support the sector. The committee also raised concerns about the pace and impact of transformation initiatives, including the proposed Transformation Fund and a planned review of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment regulatory framework.
While acknowledging the need to refine policy, the committee stressed that economic redress remains non-negotiable in addressing South Africa’s historical inequalities. A significant portion of the department’s budget will be channelled into incentive programmes and its entities.
The committee welcomed this approach but cautioned that delays in approvals and payments must be addressed. It indicated that it would intensify oversight of both the department and its entities to ensure that funds translate into measurable outcomes.
Committee Chairperson, Mr Mzwandile Masina, said the DTIC’s shift towards growth-focused interventions was encouraging but stressed that delivery would be key. “The committee welcomes the DTIC’s efforts to revise its strategy to focus on economic growth and job creation. We will continue to monitor its performance closely and assess the real impact of its work on the economy and the lives of our people,” said Mr Masina.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TRADE, INDUSTRY AND COMPETITION, MR MZWANDILE MASINA.
For media enquiries, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Ms Faith Ndenze
Parliamentary Communication Services
Email: fnd...@parliament.gov.za
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National Assembly passes the Division of Revenue Bill and the Special Appropriations Bill
22 April 2026
The National Assembly (NA) has passed the Division of Revenue Bill and the Special Appropriation Bill during its plenary sitting. The Bills were tabled by the Minister of Finance on 25 February 2026 as part of the national Budget.
The Division of Revenue Bill sets out how government funds are shared across national, provincial and local government, with a strong focus on improving the capacity of municipalities to deliver services where people live. The Bill aims to ensure that public money is used to provide basic services, support economic growth and job creation, and keep government debt under control.
As part of this effort, government is investing R12.8 billion over the medium term to expand Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes. At the same time, R800 million in 2026/27 is being redirected to protect key priorities, including R446 million for the National School Nutrition Programme, R13 million for learners with severe to profound intellectual disabilities, and R342 million to progressively equalise the salaries of Grade R educators. A further R175 million has been allocated to implement the e-Cares system to improve data collection and strengthen the management of ECD services.
Additional funding shifts include R109 million for agriculture to modernise systems such as e-certification and animal traceability, ensuring the sector becomes more efficient and competitive.
Following extensive engagement with National Treasury, the Parliament Budget Office and other stakeholders, the Standing Committee on Appropriations welcomed the proposed allocations. However, the Committee stressed that their success will depend on strong governance, effective oversight and responsible spending.
The Committee has recommended that the Minister of Finance ensures National Treasury presents a clear plan to stabilise the public service wage bill so that rising personnel costs do not crowd out spending on critical services and infrastructure. It has also called for a full cost-benefit analysis on the use of implementing agents, such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa, to deliver infrastructure projects on behalf of municipalities. National Treasury is required to report back to Parliament on these matters twice a year.
The Special Appropriation Bill provides an additional R13.5 billion for the 2025/26 financial year to address urgent and unforeseen spending needs. This mechanism allows government to respond quickly to pressing national priorities without waiting for the next budget cycle.
This funding will support Parliament and key departments, namely Home Affairs, National Treasury, Transport, and Communications and Digital Technologies. A significant portion is allocated to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), an entity of the Department of Transport, to procure new locomotives, repair trains and improve commuter rail services - helping millions of South Africans travel safely and affordably.
Funding has also been allocated to Sentech to help resolve its ongoing dispute with the South African Broadcasting Corporation over approximately R1.6 billion in unpaid fees, while also supporting the long-term financial sustainability of the entity.
The Committee further welcomed the allocation of R2.081 billion for the rebuilding of Parliament and R1.116 billion for the Electoral Commission of South Africa to support the 2026 local government elections. This election funding is recognised as a necessary, once-off constitutional cost to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
Both Bills will now be referred to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
International-Solidarity
ICN's call for International Nurses Day 2026: empower nurses to save lives
22 April 2026
ICN has announced the theme for International Nurses Day (IND) 2026: Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives. This focus sends a clear message that to maximize the full life-saving impact of the nursing workforce, we must empower nurses with safe, fair work environments and full nursing practice, influence, and leadership. The theme comes at a critical time, as global health faces unprecedented challenges from workforce shortages, rising health care demands, and increasing effects of conflict and climate change. Nurses continue to sustain care, protect communities, and hold health systems together, often under immense strain, but their work is often not fully recognized or supported.
José Luis Cobos Serrano, ICN President, emphasized the urgency of this year's message:
"We chose this IND 2026 theme because it recognizes that in this moment of intense global pressure, every day, all around the world, nurses are doing extraordinary work to both save and improve the lives of individuals and entire communities. It also makes clear that nurses need to be fully empowered to make the greatest impact on people’s health. ‘My watchword as ICN President is empowerment, and this year’s theme reflects that commitment to ensuring nurses have the authority, resources, and working conditions they need to deliver exceptional care. True empowerment means eliminating the barriers that prevent nurses from using their full knowledge and skills and creating pathways for nurses’ voices to shape the future of care.”
Building on the success of previous IND themes — The economic power of care (2024) and Caring for nurses strengthens economies (2025) — IND 2026 shifts focus to the enormous power nurses hold to make health care safe, effective, and accessible to all.
ICN will publish an evidence-based IND report focused on harnessing the power of nurses to improve health outcomes and deliver the trusted, person-centred primary care that can transform health systems and address our world’s biggest health challenges. The report will outline the key actions needed to recruit and retain a strong nursing workforce by investing in safe working conditions, fair compensation, and meaningful opportunities for leadership, education, and influence.
International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every 12 May, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. ICN commemorates this important day each year by choosing a theme and producing an IND report and resources.
We encourage all nurses, organizations, leaders, and the general public to share and post the IND logo and social media banners, available here, using the hashtags #IND2026 and #OurNursesOurFuture
#2026yearofdenosa#WeAreDenosa#denosacares
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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