Taking COSATU Today Forward, 5 February 2026
Norman Mampane
|
COSATU TODAY COSATU Call Center Contacts: 010 002 2590 #Back2SchoolCampaign continues until all learners are enrolled, scholar transport is regulated and safe… #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
5 February 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!
- COSATU responds to unfounded accusations following the removal of CEPPWAWU administrator, Sipho Sono
- Statement by COSATU KwaZulu Natal on the Oversight Visit by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour
- DITSELA Institute invites Educators, Skills Development Officers in all federations at the 2026 Worker Education Program Launch
- African Unions invited to Trade Unions for Energy Democracy Africa Regional Quarterly Virtual Meeting
- South Africa
- COSATU Eastern Cape welcomes the newly sworn in Executive Mayor of Alfred Nzo District
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- Global agreement with H&M paves way for workers’ landmark contract in New York
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
COSATU responds to unfounded accusations following the removal of CEPPWAWU administrator, Sipho Sono
Zanele Sabela, COSATU Spokesperson, 04 February 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has seen the letter by the National Organiser of its Affiliate, the Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers’ Union (CEPPWAWU), Phutas Tseki, and understands that his accusations against the Federation are prompted by self-interest.
Tseki, a former member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and National Assembly, was appointed National Organiser of the union by the now removed administrator, Sipho Sono. Consequently, his accusation that COSATU colluded with external forces to have Sono removed, is nothing but a desperate attempt to sing for his supper. As for his insinuation that COSATU wanted Sono removed so the Federation could have access to the union’s investment company, CEPPWAWU Investments, nothing could be further from the truth.
In the letter, Tseki outlines in detail the problems that ultimately led the Registrar of Labour Relations to place CEPPWAWU under administration, from not holding National Congresses as stipulated by the constitution to failure by the National Executive Committee to operate properly.
Tseki also admits that CEPPWAWU failed to submit financial statements to the Registrar as required by the Labour Relations Act. However, his attempt to excuse this by pointing out that other unions have been guilty of the same, is laughable. By his own admission the breakdown of operations at CEPPWAWU started as far back as 2008. The Registrar only communicated the decision to place CEPPWAWU under administration in 2018. That means the union had not been operating properly for an entire decade. Surely, the Registrar would have been neglecting his duty had he not acted.
Tseki’s assertion that he attempted to brief COSATU without success, and that President Zingiswa Losi ignored his calls and requests for a meeting is ludicrous; as he has been to several COSATU Central Executive Committee meetings, where he not only had unhindered access to the National Office Bearers, but also addressed the gathering. Not once did he raise a grievance about the leadership refusing to grant him an audience. Instead, he waxed lyrical about wanting to see the CEPPWAWU back on its feet again.
In the letter, Tseki submits that CEPPWAWU is not a COSATU Affiliate in good standing as it has not paid affiliation fees due to its financial constraints. Are we to understand that he expected the Federation to abandon its Affiliate of more than two decades, simply because it is going through a difficult time financially? COSATU is not a fair-weather Federation. Besides, it was CEPPWAWU members who approached COSATU, requesting its assistance.
Turning the focus to Sono, COSATU stands by its statement issued on 28 January this year, in which we celebrated his removal as CEPPWAWU administrator by an order of the Labour Court. The reason why the Federation is dancing on Sono’s metaphoric grave, is because he was given a simple mandate on appointment as administrator. That is to appoint an experienced and reputable facilitator to ensure the union’s Congresses were convened as per the organisation’s constitution for the purposes of electing a new national leadership for CEPPWAWU.
The Congresses were to be convened and concluded by 30 September 2023, after which the control, management and affairs of the union would be handed over to the new leadership on expiry of Sono’s term on 12 December 2023. However, Sono never delivered on his mandate until he was removed last Wednesday, 28 January.
Adding salt to injury, the business rescue specialist never even bothered to submit financial statements to the Registrar. In fact, this was one of the major reasons the Registrar approached the court to have him removed. That task will now fall on the shoulders of the next administrator, Gerhard Vosloo, who has been mandated to finalise CEPPWAWU’s outstanding audited financial statements for the years ending 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Vosloo must also convene a National Congress to elect the national leadership of CEPPWAWU; after which he must handover control of the union to the national leadership. COSATU is confident that Vosloo will deliver on his mandate but will keep a close eye on him regardless.
We suspect the reason Tseki is doing Sono’s bidding despite his utter failure to deliver on his mandate, is because Sono is aware that in his profession, you are only as good as your last assignment. The truth is Sono is not good, period.
He failed to take CEPPWAWU to Congress in the time specified. Instead, he involved himself in issues that had little to do with his main task. He initiated disciplinary proceedings against CEPPWAWU members in good standing, and last month he attempted to raise subscription fees that members pay to the union. All the while paying himself exorbitant fees while neglecting to pay the union’s dues to the Federation.
CEPPWAWU was not the only organisation to suffer under Sono’s stewardship. Sadly, low-cost carrier Mango Airlines did not live to tell the tale. Appointed the airline’s business rescue practitioner in 2021, Sono dilly-dallied for four years and ultimately initiated liquidation processes last year after it became apparent, he could not save the business.
Meantime Sono paid himself R11 million for the failed rescue, while 501 Mango Airline workers lost their jobs forever.
COSATU is not apologetic; we are elated CEPPWAWU is rid of Sono. It is sad to see a highly qualified professional go rogue in this manner. However, the Federation warns that he should not be afforded the opportunity to do this to other organisations.
Issued by COSATU
________________________
Statement by COSATU KwaZulu Natal on the Oversight Visit by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour
Edwin Mkhize, COSATU KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Secretary, 4 February 2026
The Congress of South African Congress of Trade Unions in KwaZulu-Natal welcomes the oversight visit by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour to Majuba District, Newscastle and surrounding areas. This visit is crucial in ensuring compliance with key labour legislation, including the Basic of Employment Act (BCEA), Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations, immigration laws and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
As COSATU, we have deployed members of our Provincial leadership and local structures to work closely with the Committee during this process. This oversight follows a s similar intervention conducted in 2022 by the Parliamentary Labour Committee, where COSATU also deployed its Provincial Office Bearers and local leadership to support the process.
We therefore view this as part of important and ongoing programme of strengthening accountability and protecting worker's rights. As the federation representing workers, COSATU takes this matter seriously.
It responds directly to what we have consistently raised that public representatives must not sit on their laurels while workers suffer silently in workplaces where exploitation and lawlessness continue unchecked.
Workers have fought hard for labour law reforms and democratic principles. These laws must now be enforced without fear or favour and employers must be compelled to comply.
However,
COSATU remains concerned that some employers may attempt to mislead the Committee during this period by temporarily complying or even sending workers away in order to hide exploitation and non-compliance. Such conduct must be exposed and decisively dealt with.
COSATU calls on all workers to make the best use of this opportunity by coming forward and reporting all violations, including the following;
- Underpayment and wage theft,
- victimisation and intimidation,
- illegal employment practices, including abuse of foreign nationals,
- lack of skills development and training.
We further remind all employers that the National Minimum Wage for 2026 will increase to R30.23 per hour in March this year and we demand full compliance.
No worker must earn below the legislated minimum wage.
This is the promise we have undertaken during the introduction of the NMW legislation that COSATU will continue to fight for improvement of the minimum wage.
Some of the revelations emerging from the workplaces visited are deeply shocking and confirm the urgency of intensified inspections and stronger enforcement. COSATU will continue to monitor this process closely and will ensure that all violations identified are followed up and addressed.
In welcoming this oversight visit, we call on the Department of Employment and Labour and the Portfolio Committee to strengthen their collaboration with stakeholders and expand this programme to all districts across KwaZulu-Natal, as exploitation is not confined to Majuba alone.
We also call on all trade union leaders to spend more time engaging directly with workers on the ground, in order to understand their lived realities and respond effectively to the challenges they face.
Furthermore, COSATU urges unions to follow up on all matters during this oversight process and ensure that employers are held accountable.
Finally, COSATU calls on all employers not to view this process as a nuisance, but as an opportunity to improve working conditions. Decent work improves productivity, strengthens the economy and prevents the costly consequences of non-compliance, including workplace injuries, legal penalties and reputational damage.
We will work closely with the DEL to ensure that non-compliances that have been discovered are addressed urgently to avoid negative effect to workers, economy and their jobs.
Workers' rights are human rights and compliance with labour laws is not negotiable.
An injury to one is an injury to all.
_______________________
NUM members protest outside IDC Head Office as corporation moves to liquidate cast Products SA, threatening hundreds of jobs
Senzo Mncwango, NUM PWV Regional Secretary, 4 February 2026
JOHANNESBURG — The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) confirms that its members at Cast Products SA are currently staged in a protest outside the offices of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). This action follows the IDC’s sudden and destructive decision to reject a viable rescue deal, opting instead to push the company toward liquidation.
Cast Products SA entered a voluntary Business Rescue process in 2022 with a clear mandate: to stabilize the business and secure a suitable equity partner. After years of uncertainty, a deal was finally reached and approved by the Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs) that would have seen a new shareholder take over the business and resume operations.
Despite this progress, the IDC has "shifted the goalposts," rejecting the finalized deal and cutting off all funding. This reversal has halted all production at the plants, leaving workers in limbo and the company on the brink of total collapse.
Quote from the NUM:
"The IDC is supposed to be an agent of industrial development and job preservation, yet their actions here are the exact opposite. By rejecting a deal that the BRPs had already agreed to, the IDC is effectively choosing to destroy livelihoods rather than save them. We are here to demand that the IDC stops the liquidation process and allows the new shareholder to finalize the purchase. We cannot allow hundreds of workers to be sacrificed due to bureaucratic indecision," said Senzo Mncwango, NUM PWV Regional Secretary.
The NUM views the move toward liquidation as a betrayal of the Business Rescue process and a direct assault on the industrial capacity of South Africa. The union calls on the IDC leadership to return to the table and prioritize the preservation of jobs and the local economy over the permanent closure of the plants.
The protest will continue until the IDC provides a clear commitment to reconsider the deal and prevent the liquidation of Cast Products SA.
The NUM calls on the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition to intervene and find a solution.
___________________
DITSELA Institute invites Educators, Skills Development Officers in all federations at the 2026 Worker Education Program Launch
January 2026
Attention: Educators & National/Provincial Office Bearers Responsible for Education
Dear comrades and colleagues,
Ditsela Programme 2026 Theme: “Educate, Engage, Empower for Resilient and Inclusive Labour Movement”
You are invited to the launch of the 2026 Ditsela Programme
Date: Thursday 12 February 2026
Time 10h00 – 12h00
Venue: Ditsela Offices
Johannesburg Office
21 Marshall Street
4th Floor t
Johannesburg
We would like to urge educators to make every effort to ensure that office bearers responsible for education are available for this meeting. In 2025 we tried to include office bearers in all strategic activities so that they could engage with Ditsela on the priorities for workers’ education; this has proved to be a very successful way of communicating with our constituency about workers’ education.
In this meeting we will be sharing:
▪ New developments for 2026 Programme
▪ Recruitment processes to Ditsela Programme
▪ Required documentation for the application
Note: Ditsela would like affiliates to share their Union programme as well to establish areas of collaboration.
Please confirm your attendance by completing the reply slip to vero...@ditsela.org.za
Fax: 011 492-0302
Yours in the continued struggle for power through education.
Khanyisile Khanyi
Programme Manager
_____________________
African Unions invited to Trade Unions for Energy Democracy Africa Regional Quarterly Virtual Meeting
Dear Comrades
SAVE THE DATE: 10th February 2026
Africa Regional Quarterly Virtual Meeting
Please join us for a virtual meeting of African unions and their allies on:
February 10th, 2026. Time: Johannesburg. South Africa/16:00, Tunisia/15:00.
Find your local time here:
https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html
Anyone that wants to attend must please register. All registrants will receive a zoom link. RSVP:
Please register HERE. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/g1hf5pbiS5WPSMXDB92Ziw#/registration
Interpretation: to be confirmed! Dependent on the need and resources required.
Why This Meeting?
Join the meeting to listen to updates from Tunisia, South Africa, and Ghana regarding renewable energy costs, the unbundling and privatization of energy institutions, and the role of private sector participation, amongst other things.
See article attached on the Tunisia case study of the cost of renewable energy.
Kind Regards
Suraya Jawoodeen
on behalf of the TUED team
COSATU Eastern Cape welcomes the newly sworn in Executive Mayor of Alfred Nzo District
Mkhawuleli Maleki, COSATU Eastern Cape Provincial Secretary, 4 February 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Eastern Cape joins the various progressive stakeholders in welcoming Councillor Tsileng Sobuthongo as the new executive Mayor of the Alfred Nzo District.
Cllr. Sobuthongo assumed this responsibility earlier today, making her the youngest District Executive Mayor in the province of Eastern Cape.
COSATU as a progressive federation is extraordinarily moved by the overwhelming confidence expressed by the District Council members in this dedicated servant of the people. She is the third female municipal leader at this level, after the Nelson Mandela and Buffalo City Metros in the current electoral term.
We call upon all workers to support her, as we expect to Mayor Sobuthongo to intensify the delivery of public services to the downtrodden masses of the working-class.
She comes into office at a time when illegal substances in schools, violence against women and children seek to rear their ugly head in governance statistics of the district municipality. As such COSATU calls on the mayor to hasten the provision of safety measures in this regard.
We are still reeling from the dreadful shooting that resulted in the killing of three harmless and innocent souls at Ntabankulu Senior Primary School. Working together with other stakeholders, we are looking forward to having the social ills collectively addressed by the organs of the civil society.
We wish the District Mayor all the best in her new area of responsibility.
Issued by the COSATU Eastern Cape Secretariat
International-Solidarity
Global agreement with H&M paves way for workers’ landmark contract in New York
31 January 2026
After five months of negotiations, workers at H&M stores in New York have overwhelmingly ratified a landmark three-year contract, underscoring the value of UNI’s global agreement with the Swedish-retail giant in enabling workers to organize and bargain collectively.
The deal, negotiated by members of RWDSU Local 1102 with H&M management, delivers record-breaking wage increases, transformative scheduling improvements and enhanced job security for more than 1,000 workers.
In a statement, UNI affiliate RWDSU said: “In securing these historic gains, RWDSU Local 1102 is setting a new benchmark for other unions representing H&M workers nationwide. This agreement serves as a powerful reminder that collective bargaining is the most effective tool for raising the floor for all retail workers.”
The success comes after more than two decades of international labour strategy, stemming from the global agreement first signed between UNI Global Union and H&M in 2004.
Our groundbreaking pact committed the company to respecting fundamental human rights, including the right to organize and bargain collectively, across its entire global operation.
RWDSU credited the global agreement for paving the way for its historic organizing breakthrough in 2007, when the first H&M workers in the United States won union representation in Manhattan. By utilizing the neutrality agreement established through UNI, workers were able to organize without the fear and interference often seen in retail campaigns. Since then, RWDSU Local 1102 has expanded its representation to include additional stores in Long Island and New York City.
Mathias Bolton, Head of Commerce at UNI Global Union, said:
“Congratulations to workers at RWDSU Local 1102 for a victory built on courage and persistence. It shows that when global agreements are enforced and workers are free to organize, they can win life-changing improvements — not just in New York, but across H&M’s global workforce.”
______________________________
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