Taking COSATU Today Forward, 10 July 2025
Norman Mampane
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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
10 July 2025
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- POPCRU Northern Cape on the shooting incident involving police officers in Nababeep, Springbok
- South Africa
Ø ANC Study Group on Basic Education welcomes Portfolio Committee’s Decisions and addresses concerns regarding full implementation of BELA Act
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- India: millions of workers go on strike to defend workers’ rights
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
POPCRU Northern Cape on the shooting incident involving police officers in Nababeep, Springbok
MW Mkontwana, POPCRU Northern Cape Provincial Secretary, 9 July 2025
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) in the Northern Cape is deeply concerned about the tragic incident that unfolded on Thursday, 3 July 2025, involving a domestic violence dispute between two police officers, which tragically escalated into a fatal shooting in Nababeep, near Springbok.
According to reports, a domestic violence complaint was lodged at the Nababeep Police Station by Constable Chanli September, who arrived at the station visibly distressed. She reported that her husband, Constable Diogo September—who is also stationed at Springbok SAPS—had allegedly threatened her with a firearm in the presence of their children. It is alleged that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
Upon responding to the complaint, officers proceeded to Constable Diogo September’s residence, where he reportedly pointed a firearm at the attending officers. The officers prudently withdrew, returned to the station, and assembled a group of four male colleagues to provide additional support.
Upon their return to the scene, the suspect remained aggressive and continued to threaten officers with his firearm, refusing to comply with multiple requests to disarm. In an effort to protect their own lives and prevent further danger, the officers were ultimately forced to discharge their firearms, fatally wounding him.
All relevant role players, including SAPS management and Employee Health and Wellness (EHW), attended the scene and have since offered support and counselling to affected members.
As POPCRU, we are appalled and saddened by this incident. We strongly condemn all forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), whether perpetrated in the home, workplace, or community. It is particularly alarming when such acts are committed by those entrusted with the duty to protect others. No one, including law enforcement officers, should ever abuse their position or their intimate relationships.
This incident reflects a deeply troubling reality: that law enforcement officers—our own members—are not only witnesses to GBV but also victims and, in rare and unfortunate circumstances, perpetrators.
On 29 November 2024, POPCRU held a campaign in Kimberley aimed at raising awareness on the scourge of GBV and to reaffirm our commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to such violence within our ranks.
The reality is clear—GBV is escalating across society, and urgent, collaborative efforts are required to address it. POPCRU calls on all members to report and seek help at the earliest sign of domestic distress, whether in the workplace or at home.
No one should suffer in silence, and support systems such as SAPS EHW and DCS Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) must be activated more proactively and consistently.
We urge shift commanders and management to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious or concerning behaviour by colleagues. Preventative interventions must become a routine part of wellness monitoring.
POPCRU also calls upon communities to take an active stance in reporting any known or suspected GBV incidents. Eradicating gender-based violence requires the collective vigilance of all sectors of society.
Our hearts go out to the family, colleagues, and children affected by this tragedy. We hope that this moment of sorrow strengthens our collective resolve to ensure that such incidents are never repeated.
Issued by POPCRU Northern Cape
ANC Study Group on Basic Education welcomes Portfolio Committee’s Decisions and addresses concerns regarding full implementation of BELA Act
09 July 2025
The ANC Study Group on Basic Education wishes to express its unwavering support for the recent decisions made by the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, particularly regarding the urgent need to expose the sabotage and delaying tactics employed by the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube. It is essential that the voices of our communities and stakeholders resonate clearly in matters that impact the education of our children.
Furthermore, the Portfolio Committee has noted underhanded intentions to water down the Act. The intentional removal of “after consultation” and the insertion of “collaboration with” is nothing else but the DA’s move to equate School Governing Bodies (SGBs) with the authority of the Head of Department (HOD). This not only undermines the recourse and authority of the government but also serves to enhance the privileges of racist SGBs that have no regard for the needs of black children.
This is a glaringly divisive posture that South Africa should note in observing the stance of the DA and what it stands for which is anti-transformation. The Minister’s grandstanding with AfriForum and Solidarity, a flimsy attempt to undermine the Presidential processes involving the management of Sections 4 and 5, was uncalled for notwithstanding the continuation of her misuse of the office to disregard the authority of the provinces with which she is mandated to work, as well as the Portfolio Committee leaves much to be desired.
We are alarmed by the imposition of DA-led guidelines within the Department of Basic Education, which not only undermine the authority of the Council of Education Ministers (CEM) but also contradict the constitutional mandate to provide equitable education for all South African learners. The CEM, along with the Portfolio Committee, has unequivocally indicated that regulations should have been published by the end of June. Schools and districts have the right to expect policies that align with the amendments of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, particularly Sections 4 and 5, which strive to enhance inclusivity and the quality of education for all students.
A particularly troubling issue that has come to light is the practice by the Western Cape Education department of requiring photographs as part of the learner application process. This practice raises significant concerns about discrimination and exclusion. The selective use of
photographs appears to favour white learners while systematically sidelining black learners, thereby perpetuating a racially biased admission process. Such practices are not just a violation of our moral and ethical standards but also a blatant disregard for the principles enshrined in our Constitution, which guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination.
The ANC Study Group is acutely aware of the historical context that has led to persistent inequalities in our education system. The actions of the DA-led Department of Basic Education can be seen as an attempt to obscure these issues, rather than confront them. By failing to address the systemic biases and inequities that exist, they are effectively perpetuating a cycle of exclusion that disproportionately affects black learners and other marginalized groups.
We commend the Portfolio Committee's decision to send back the report from the Western Cape Department of Basic Education due to its inability to provide a comprehensive and detailed assessment of its readiness to implement the BELA Act, particularly concerning issues of admission and learner support. The lack of transparency and accountability in this regard is unacceptable. We take serious note of the concerns raised by parents regarding the exclusion of certain learners and the detrimental effects of these policies on the future of our children.
The ANC Study Group is steadfast in its commitment to ensure that every child, regardless of their race or background, has equal access to quality education. We call upon the Department of Basic Education to take immediate action to rectify these issues and engage with all stakeholders in a transparent and inclusive manner. It is our collective responsibility to foster an education system that is equitable, just, and reflective of our diverse society.
We urge the Minister to prioritize the well-being of all learners and to work collaboratively with CEM and other stakeholders to develop regulations aligned with the Constitution that are fair and beneficial for every child in our country.
The future of our nation rests on the foundation of a strong and inclusive education system. Let us work together to build that future for all South African learners without any compromises and undermining our constitutional democracy.
Issued by: Whip of the ANC Study Group on Basic Education Cde Tshepo Louw (MP)
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International-Solidarity
India: millions of workers go on strike to defend workers’ rights
9 July, 2025
Today, millions of workers across India—from both formal and informal sectors and from rural and urban areas—went on strike and took to the streets to defend their rights, which have been severely undermined under the current right-wing government.The countrywide general strike was called by the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions in India, along with sectoral and independent federations and farmers’ organizations to intensify the fight against the government’s anti-labour policies.
Indian trade unions have been continuously raising concerns against the hostile policies of the central and state governments towards working people of the country. Recently, the Andhra Pradesh state government amended the law to increase the working hours to ten. The ongoing dilution of hard-won workers’ rights, an increasing attack on democratic rights along with growing unemployment, rising cost of living and stagnant wages, have led to massive discontent among working masses.
Sanjay Vadhavkar, IndustriALL executive committee member and general secretary of the Steel, Metal, and Engineering Workers’ Federation of India, says:
“Today's successful strike reflects that the working class in India is totally against the anti-worker and anti-people policies of the present government. Workers will continue to fight until the government withdraws four labour codes and its implementation. Trade unions in the country stand united and we will carry on the struggle to defend workers’ rights.”
Unions carried out a vigorous campaign to mobilize workers before the strike, particularly raising awareness around the anti-worker labour laws. Some of the main demands being pressed by the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions include:
Scrapping of anti-worker labour laws
Ending precarious work in all its forms
Stopping privatization of public sector enterprises
Restoring of Old Pension Scheme
Providing national minimum wage of INR 26,000 (US$ 303) with regular revision every five years
Ratification of ILO Conventions C87 and C98
Gautam Mody, IndustriALL executive committee member and convener of Unions United, says:
“When the right to strike is under attack, striking is the only way to show a far-right government and brazen capital our power. That's what we have done today. And if the government doesn't turn the labour codes back, we'll strike again! And again!”
IndustriALL general secretary, Atle Høie, says:
“IndustriALL stands in complete solidarity with the striking workers in India. We salute the fighting spirit of Indian trade unions who in the face of repression and restriction of democratic rights are continuing the struggle to advance workers’ movement and protect the democratic structures in the country. The unity shown in face of these seriously repressive legal amendments serves as an inspiration to the working-class movement across the world.”
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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