Taking COSATU Today Forward, 2 September 2025 #CosatuCC2025
Norman Mampane
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COSATU TODAY #CosatuCC2025 Count down has begun…. #Cosatu scheduled to convene its ordinary 8th Central Committee this month, September 2025 #CosatuCC2025 #WorkerControl #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
2 September 2025
“Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism”
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- Thousands of COSATU delegates to gather at the Federation’s 8th Central Committee this September
- South Africa
- COSATU CEC statement in the lead up to the Central Committee
- Finance and Reserve Bank on South Africa’s inflation target
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- ITUC solidarity with Ukrainian trade unions as Russian attacks intensify
- Unsafe railways put workers and passengers at risk, New ITF research warns
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
Thousands of COSATU delegates to gather at the Federation’s 8th Central Committee this September
Zanele Sabela, (COSATU National Spokesperson, 02 September 2025
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) will convene its 8th Central Committee meeting on the 15th -18th of September. Held under the theme: “Building working-class unity for economic liberation towards socialism”, the four-day event will bring together more than 4 000 members from the Federation’s affiliates, labour service organisations and international guests to amongst others, review the implementation of resolutions adopted at the previous Congress, provide political direction and focus on organisational issues ahead of the National Congress next year.
COSATU President Zingiswa Losi will deliver the keynote address with messages of support from the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP).
Details of the event are as follows:
Date: 15-18 September 2025
Venue: Anew OR Tambo Hotel (formerly The Lakes Hotel, Benoni, Ekurhuleni)
All members of the media are invited to attend, and are encouraged to apply for accreditation to cover the event.
Applications for accreditation may be submitted to mam...@cosatu.org.za or non...@cosatu.org.za with the following details:
Name:
Surname:
ID number:
Media House/Address:
Contact number/email:
Alternatively, an application form can be completed via this link:
https://forms.office.com/r/Yhyb5S6h59
Issued by COSATU
Zanele
Sabela (COSATU National Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 or 077 600 6639
Email: zan...@cosatu.org.za
COSATU CEC statement in the lead up to the Central Committee
Zanele Sabela, COSATU National Spokesperson, 01 September 2025
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) held a virtual Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting on 25 August in preparation for its upcoming Central Committee (CC) from 15 to 18 September.
The Central Committee serves as a mid-term review to assess the Federation’s implementation of the resolutions adopted at its previous Congress. The upcoming CC also takes place in the lead up to COSATU’s 40th anniversary to be marked with a celebration at Dobsonville Stadium on 6 December.
Regrettably, it also takes place at a time when the country’s economic prospects are grim, with unemployment dangerously high at 42.9%; and even higher among young people aged between 15 and 24, having risen to 73.1% in Quarter 2 from 72.4% the previous quarter.
Whilst the National Development Plan set the goal to reduce unemployment to 6% by 2030 and create 11 million jobs, unemployment continues to grow.
This, despite the denialism prompted by former Capitec Bank CEO, Gerrie Fourie, that the informal sector is not accounted for in the Quarterly Labour Force Survey and that the country’s unemployment is closer to 10%. It has been extremely worrying to observe how business and government have been willing to support this unfounded and unscientific view, because through it, the unemployment crisis can be ignored, and government can reduce critical social security interventions that are necessary to avoid a crisis of hunger and poverty in the country.
The unemployment crisis, widening inequality, absolute poverty, entrenched crime and corruption, struggling public and municipal services are among the issues COSATU believes should be at the centre of the National Dialogue convened by the Presidency. It is also the reason the Federation supported the convening of the National Convention even as it urged the Legacy Foundations not to abandon the project while acknowledging the legitimacy of the concerns they raised.
For its part, COSATU will continue to participate in the Dialogue to elevate the many deep seated socio-economic challenges facing the working class, the economy and the state, which require the entirety of society to resolve.
COSATU remains adamant that the National Dialogue Secretariat be housed and coordinated at Nedlac to avoid undermining the statutory social dialogue forum and ensure that Organised Labour’s voice is not drowned out and that the outcomes are coherent and lead to material improvements in the lives of the working class.
South Africa’s economic crisis is set to deepen following the imposition of the 30% trade tariffs by the Trump administration.
The devasting impact of the tariffs is already evident following the closure of Good Year in Uitenhage, the temporary production halt at Mercedes Benz, not to mention the potential loss of thousands of jobs in agriculture and manufacturing.
We remain deeply concerned by the potential jobs bloodbath that may result from the US tariffs of 30% imposed upon South African exports to the world’s largest economy. It is urgent that the South African government ramp up engagements with the US to ensure that these tariffs can be lowered and a mutually beneficial new trade agreement put in place.
The Federation will continue to work closely with the South African government to ensure that this can happen, that new trade markets can be sought and measures to cushion affected sectors and jobs, in particular in the agricultural, motor and other manufacturing sectors be put in place.
The CEC expressed deep concern about the ongoing war between Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Force (RSF), which is reported to have killed more than 150 000 people and displaced more than 12 million. The United Nations has branded it the worst humanitarian crisis but has done little to resolve it.
The ceasefire signed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda is on shaky ground following the killing of 52 civilians in North Kivu allegedly by Allied Democratic Forces between 9 and 16 August.
A meeting to discuss a permanent peace deal on 18 August did not take place as M23 was a no show.
COSATU has welcomed the appointment of Bhuti Manamela as Minister of Higher Education and Training and is set to engage the Ministry to manage the fall out resulting from appointments of SETA Board Chairpersons by his predecessor. The lack of organised labour representatives in the previous nominee list was startling, given labour is counted among the principal stakeholders in the national skills development framework.
COSATU will work with other Federations within Nedlac to ensure labour representation is not compromised. The Federation will also ensure Minister Manamela addresses the issue of workers’ education funding.
The CEC also expressed alarm over the allegations made by Kwa-Zulu Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, about collusion between criminal syndicates and high-ranking law enforcement members, senior government officials and politicians with these syndicates.
COSATU will be watching with interest as proceedings at the Madlanga Commission and Ad Hoc Committee unfold.
Throwing forward to the CC, the Federation will deliberate on how to advance the National Democratic Revolution; protect the gains of democracy including progressive labour laws, worker rights and the transformation agenda.
The Federation is also set to engage its Alliance partners on what form the 2026 local government election campaign will take, given the South African Communist Party’s 5th Special National Congress resolution to contest the polls separate from the African National Congress. COSATU will seek a clear mandate from its members on the posture it should adopt. The unity of the Alliance and the workers is paramount for the Federation.
COSATU commended its Affiliate, the National Union of Mineworkers, on its recent successful National Congress and regaining its majority at Impala Platinum.
Beyond the CC, COSATU is set to commemorate World Day for Decent Work on 7 October as well as the Federation’s 40th anniversary celebrations at Dobsonville Stadium on 6 December.
Issued by COSATU
_________________________
Finance and Reserve Bank on South Africa’s inflation target
01 Sep 2025
Rising
public debt and inflation globally have made clear the importance of sound macroeconomic frameworks to sustainable economic growth. Since the pandemic and its aftermath, domestic inflation has eased, and the debt trajectory tempered. Monetary policy has been
effective, and fiscal policy is actively moving to a more sustainable path for public finances. Nonetheless, new risks to the global outlook underscore the high potential for further global shocks. Macroeconomic policy needs to be both flexible and robust
to these shocks and the many others that will inevitably come our way.
With the post-pandemic surge in inflation fading, National Treasury and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) have analysed and discussed the value of reducing inflation to levels consistent with the country’s trading partners. South Africa continues to target
inflation within the 3‒6%
range, with the SARB focusing on anchoring inflation at the midpoint of the range, or 4.5%, since 2017. Research and consultations have however highlighted a range of specific challenges associated with a wide target band and the long-term costs to the economy
and entrenched inequality caused by relatively high inflation.
Over the past year, inflation expectations have shifted downward in line with softer inflation outcomes. To sustain this progress and meet its constitutional mandate of price stability, at its July 2025 meeting, the SARB’s Monetary Policy Committee expressed
its preference for consumer price inflation to remain low, around the bottom end of the current target range of 3‒6%.
Similarly, National Treasury, in its 2024 Macroeconomic Policy Review, acknowledged that low and stable inflation is good for economic growth and concluded that monetary policy goals have broadly been achieved. The review also emphasised that, while the current
macroeconomic policy framework is fit for purpose and flexible to changing conditions, some adjustments could make it more effective. In this regard, additional technical work was undertaken by the Macroeconomic Standing Committee (MSC) of the two institutions
to assess the appropriateness of the inflation target. As has been the practice, macroeconomic policy, including adjustments to the inflation target, will continue to be evidence based.
As the technical work draws to a close, the MSC will draft recommendations on the inflation target and table them to both the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the SARB. The Minister of Finance and Governor will agree on any changes to the target band.
The Minister of Finance will make a formal announcement as soon as is practical to anchor expectations.
For enquiries email Me...@treasury.gov.za and Me...@resbank.co.za.
Issued by National Treasury
International-Solidarity
ITUC solidarity with Ukrainian trade unions as Russian attacks intensify
2 September 2025
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) strongly condemns the ongoing bombardment of Ukrainian cities by the Russian military, which have intensified despite ongoing contacts in search of peace.YA SAVILOV
A large-scale missile and drone attack on 27 August against Kyiv and several other Ukrainian cities:
killed at least 23 civilians, including four children, and injured many more, destroying residential buildings and civil facilities.
hit the offices of the Free Trade Union of Railway Workers of Ukraine in Vinnitsa region and of the Independent Trade Union of Miners of Ukraine at the “Dobropilska” mine in Donetsk region.
caused serious damage to the buildings of the Delegation of the European Union and the British Council in Kyiv.
This follows the deadly attack of 31 July, which killed at least 31 people, including five children, and injured more than 159. Trade union infrastructure was also directly hit, as the Academy of Labour, Social Relations and Tourism of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine in Kyiv suffered severe damage.
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) has highlighted these strikes as part of a “concerning trend” of rising civilian casualties across Ukraine. Since the Russian launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the HRMMU has documented the deaths of at least 13,883 civilians, including 726 children, and injuries to 35,548 others, among them 2,234 children.
"The ITUC reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with its affiliates, Ukrainian workers and their trade unions in the face of continued aggression."ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle
“We condemn the latest deadly attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, including trade union offices. Russia appears to be intensifying its assaults to force a deal, and civilians are paying the brutal cost of this ruthless strategy.
“We firmly reject the use of military force to resolve conflicts in any part of the world. Lasting peace, social justice and security can only be achieved through adherence to international law, genuine dialogue and a commitment to common security for all.”
_____________________________
Unsafe railways put workers and passengers at risk, New ITF research warns
30 August 2025
Unsafe railways put workers and passengers at risk, new ITF research warns
news31 Aug 2025
New ITF research has revealed systemic health and safety risks across the global railway sector, with understaffing and employer cost-cutting putting workers, passengers and cargo in danger.
The research, Health and Safety on the Railways: The Workers’ Perspective, draws on responses from nearly 500 workplace union representatives from 19 rail unions in 12 countries. It shows that rail workers are facing high levels of stress, fatigue, injuries, harassment, and risks from unsafe infrastructure – all made worse by chronic staff shortages.
“This research shows the reality behind the headlines,” said Julio Sosa, ITF Railway
Section Chair. “Railway workers everywhere are telling us the same thing: cuts to staffing, inspections and training are making their jobs unsafe and putting passengers and cargo at risk. The solution is clear – rail companies must listen to workers, restore
safe staffing levels, and make health and safety a top priority.”
Key findings
Stress and fatigue are the most pressing issues, with stress identified by over three-quarters of respondents (77%) and fatigue by over half of respondents (51%)
Passenger abuse and harassment affect more than a third of rail workers surveyed.
Understaffing is the number one cause of OHS risks, cited by 62% of worker representatives.
Nearly half (47%) said railways are less safe today than they were five years ago.
Climate impacts are already being felt, with 42% citing extreme heat and cold as major health and safety risks.
The consequences are severe: more than half of union representatives reported low morale among
workers, and almost one in two said health and safety issues are driving sickness absence. Recruitment, retention, and diversity in the sector are also being hit.
Workers’ voices ignored
The research also found serious gaps in employer responsibility. Respondents identified the
poor state of infrastructure and rolling stock (42%) as one of the main causes of health and safety risks, while nearly a third reported inadequate training when new technology is introduced. One in five workplaces has no policy on gender-based violence and
harassment. A quarter of worker representatives said their unions are rarely or never consulted on safety issues.
A call for action
The ITF says the findings underline what unions have long been demanding: safe railways require safe staffing levels. Rail companies must urgently invest in people, training, inspections, and infrastructure – and workers’ voices must be at the centre of safety planning.
Noel Coard, ITF Inland Transport Sections Secretary, added: “Safe railways are the backbone of safe, sustainable transport systems. This research shows that employers are neglecting their responsibility to both workers and the public.
We will not stop pushing until staffing, training, and safety protections are strengthened across the industry.”
The ITF and its affiliates are calling for:
Binding commitments to safe staffing levels.
Mandatory consultation with unions on all health and safety matters.
Greater investment in training, inspections and infrastructure upgrades.
Stronger protections against gender-based violence and harassment.
“The message is clear: workers’ safety is passengers’ safety. Without urgent action, health and safety on the railways will continue to decline – but with investment and union involvement, rail can and must be made safe for all,” concluded Sosa.
______________________________
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