Taking COSATU Today Forward, 11 May 2026
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
11 May 2026
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- NUM demands accountability following tragic double Fatality at Sibanye-Stillwater Kloof No. 8 Shaft
- Media Advisory: SACCAWU Media Conference on looming Pick 'n Pay retrenchments
- NUM Youth Structure Concludes National Youth Committee Meeting; Vows Radical Action Against Socio-Economic Suffocation and Safety Failures
- South Africa
- COSATU recognises the achievements of the country’s Constitution on its 30th anniversary
- SACP message of condolences to family of former Botswana President Festus Mogae
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- Condemnation statement of the World Federation of Trade Unions on the attack on Sumud Flotila Activists
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
NUM demands accountability following tragic double Fatality at Sibanye-Stillwater Kloof No. 8 Shaft
Masibulele Naki, NUM National Health and Safety Secretary, 10 May 2026
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is deeply saddened and disturbed by the tragic loss of two mineworkers on Sunday, 3 May 2026, at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Kloof Number 8 Shaft operations. This devastating incident again highlights the urgent need for heightened safety protocols and corporate accountability within the mining sector.
The accident occurred at approximately 17:30 during preparations for a shaft examination by a subcontracted team. NUM notes with serious concern that this activity took place outside of the normally scheduled window for such examinations. The two workers reportedly fell into a shaft estimated to be 2,000 metres deep.
NUM extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the deceased during this incredibly painful time.
Critical Safety Concerns and Systemic Failures
NUM maintains that the mine must take full responsibility for the operational failures that led to this tragedy. The union identifies several alarming factors contributing to the current safety crisis:
• Lapse in Supervision: An apparent lack of rigorous oversight during critical, high-risk operational activities.
• Risks of Outsourcing: The continued outsourcing of core mining responsibilities to subcontractors, which often fragments safety accountability.
• Labour Brokering Issues: Poor safety oversight and deteriorating working conditions frequently associated with subcontracting arrangements.
• Production Pressure: The undue pressure placed on workers to perform dangerous duties under unsafe conditions, often for lower wages.
Call to Action
NUM has consistently warned that an excessive reliance on subcontractors undermines safety standards and exposes workers to unnecessary risks. In light of this tragedy, the union demands the following:
1. Departmental Investigation: We call on the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure those responsible are held legally accountable.
2. Comprehensive Safety Audit: NUM demands that all operations at the affected shaft be halted and subjected to a comprehensive safety audit before work is permitted to resume.
The safety and lives of mineworkers must always take precedence over production and profit.
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Media Advisory: SACCAWU Media Conference on looming Pick 'n Pay retrenchments
SITHEMBELE TSHWETE, SACCAWU National Spokesperson, 8 May 2026
The South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers' Union (SACCAWU) has scheduled to hold a media conference on looming retrenchment of more than 22 000 employees at Pick 'n Pay.
SACCAWU convened a two-day National meeting of Pick 'n Pay to discuss the proposed retrenchments in the company that will affect 22 000 employees.
Media is invited to a media conference on Monday, 11th May 2026 to unfold the Union's pushback approach.
The media conference will be held as follows:
Date: 11th May 2026
Venue: Parktonian Hotel
120 De Korte street, Braamfontein
Johannesburg, 2017
Time: 10h00
Media houses and journalists are invited to come and cover the media conference.
Issued by SACCAWU
SITHEMBELE TSHWETE
SACCAWU National Spokesperson
Mobile: 0823365363
0739563108
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NUM Youth Structure Concludes National Youth Committee Meeting; Vows Radical Action Against Socio-Economic Suffocation and Safety Failures
Xolani Mkhabela, NUM Youth Structure National Secretary, 10 May 2026
The National Youth Committee (NYC) of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Youth Structure successfully concluded its scheduled constitutional meeting on 7-8 May 2026, at the Elijah Barayi Memorial Training Centre (EBMTC).
The NYC met amidst a volatile industrial landscape to deliberate on the critical challenges facing young workers in the mining, construction, energy, and metal sectors. The committee has emerged with a firm mandate to protect the dignity and livelihoods of the working class against corporate greed and systemic neglect.
The NYC officially pronounces its stance on the following key matters:
1. A Crisis of Life and Limb: Health and Safety
The NYC is outraged by the deteriorating safety standards across our sectors, particularly the horrifying spike in fatal accidents.
• The Sibanye Kloof Tragedy: We are devastated by the recent deaths of two colleagues at Masithembe Shaft during a shaft examination.
• Our Demand: Profit must never be prioritized over human life. We demand the strictest adherence to safety protocols. Every worker has a right to return home in the same condition they arrived. One death is one too many.
2. Socio-Economic Suffocation and Unemployment
The skyrocketing cost of living has transitioned from a concern to a national emergency.
• Inflation & Fuel: Rising petrol prices are eroding the wages of our members and further marginalizing the poor.
• Youth Unemployment: We demand immediate, tangible measures from both the government and the private sector to address the scourge of youth unemployment. This is no longer a statistic; it is a source of national hopelessness that requires urgent intervention.
3. Opposition to Eskom Unbundling and Privatization
The NYC stands firmly against the unbundling of Eskom and the relentless electricity rate hikes.
• Mass Action: We fully support of all regions that marched against the privatization of our energy utility. When boardroom politics fail to serve the poor, the streets must speak.
4. Solidarity with Impala Platinum MMM Members
The NYC declares unwavering support for our members at Impala Platinum MMM currently engaged in mass action for organizational rights.
• Call to Action: We call on Impala Platinum MMM to abide by the law and grant immediate recognition rights. We further call on the CCMA to enforce compliance rather than negotiating with corporate defiance. The NUM youth will remain on the ground until these rights are secured.
5. A Stern Warning to Anarchists
The NYC condemns the bullying tactics and anarchy displayed by rival unions, most recently evidenced by the disgraceful behavior during a memorial service in Rustenburg.
• Our Position: Do not mistake our discipline for weakness. While the NUM follows protocol, we retain the radical vibrancy that birthed this union. We are prepared to respond to anarchy swiftly and with equal energy.
6. The Generational Mix: The Future is Now
We call on young workers to claim their space within the leadership structures of the union.
• Leadership: We refuse to wait for a "tomorrow" that never comes. Young people must inject new vigour into the union now to ensure its longevity and relevance.
7. A Call to Radicalism
To our members across all sectors: The time for patience has expired. If boardrooms take too long to resolve our grievances, we will hit the streets running. We have the energy, the numbers, and the mandate. We call for a disciplined, yet radical approach to defending our lives and our livelihoods.
South Africa #ClassSolidarity
COSATU recognises the achievements of the country’s Constitution on its 30th anniversary
Nonzuzo Dlamini, COSATU Communication Officer, 08 May 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the country’s Constitution. The highest law of the land was adopted on this day in 1996, having been meticulously crafted to incorporate the cornerstone of democracy and an imagined secure society for all.
The drafting of the document had to be done with immense diligence. It took two years to conclude after a comprehensive participatory process that included the public itself. Its foundation is layered on the principles of transformation, to address the legacies of apartheid. It is also a representation of the aspirations of its people, a command to the authorities to provide a life of stability while equally binding the legislature, executive and the judiciary to deliver on what it promises.
Today it is recognised among the most progressive in the world. It makes provision for basic human rights which are often seen as privileges in other countries. For workers, it includes the right to fair labour practices, the right to form and join a trade union, and the right to strike. A
lthough there are still lived discrepancies, achievements of the Constitution are recognisable. The independence of the judiciary is non-negotiable, a luxury in other parts of the world.
As the country marks this milestone, it is crucial to reflect on both the accomplishments and the shortcomings. The full realization of the Constitution exists in the fulfilment of its honor. The citizens of the country do not equally enjoy the benefits listed for everyone’s acquisition. For millions, basic services are but a distant dream.
They are human rights afforded on paper as opposed to their daily lives.
If the Constitution is celebrated globally, it should be a celebration to its owners as well. Equality and transformation is paramount. South Africans should proudly elevate this supreme law of the land with the appreciation of their lived circumstances in society and workplaces.
It is pivotal to continue working on fixing loopholes, especially in local government, to ensure authentic interpretation of the Constitution.
Issued by COSATU
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SACP message of condolences to family of former Botswana President Festus Mogae
Mbulelo Mandlana, SACP Head of Media, Communications and Information, 10 May 2026
The South African Communist Party (SACP) conveys its message of heartfelt condolences to the family of former Botswana President Festus Mogae who died on Friday 8 May. We also send our message of condolences to the government and people of Botswana and Africa for the loss.
Leading Botswana as president from 1998 to 2008, Mogae distinguished himself as a principled leader committed to the development of his nation. In an era of rampant AIDS denialism across the world, under his leadership Botswana became the first African country to distribute free antiretroviral therapy and also implemented measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
In honour of his distinguished leadership and steadfast commitment to democratic governance, economic development and service to the people, Mogae received numerous accolades worldwide, not least the prestigious Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership which he received in 2008.
In memory of President Mogae, the SACP calls for the unity of the African working class and all progressive forces to build a sovereign continent free from the clutches of imperialist forces. Towards that end, the SACP is collaborating with various progressive forces across Africa – including political parties, trade unions, non-governmental organisations, progressive thinkers, among many others – under the auspices of the African Left Networking Forum and calls for more progressive forces to join the Forum.
ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNIST PARTY,
FOUNDED IN 1921 AS THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Media, Communications & Information Department | MCID
International-Solidarity
by WFTU, 4 May 2026
The World Federation of Trade Unions expresses its grave concern and unequivocal condemnation regarding the interception of the Sumud Flotilla convoy by Israeli military forces in international waters while it was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The Sumud Flotilla was intercepted in international waters in what can only be described as an act of piracy in violation of international law. The Israeli armed forces sabotaged and destroyed boats, leaving many activists stranded at sea with no means of reaching land. During the boarding of the vessels, activists were assaulted and attacked. Activists remain illegally detained by the Israeli authorities, including our comrade Saif Abu Keshek, a trade unionist of the Catalan union IAC and a member of the WFTU.
The World Federation of Trade Unions demands the immediate and unconditional release of all detained activists, including our comrade Saif Abu Keshek, and calls for full guarantees of their physical integrity and their safe return to their countries.
This attack constitutes yet another escalation by the state of Israel against international solidarity efforts and against the Palestinian people, who continue to suffer under occupation, blockade, and systematic violations of their fundamental rights. The targeting of a humanitarian mission aimed at delivering aid to the besieged population of the Gaza Strip once again exposes the brutality of the ongoing blockade and the attempt to silence all voices of solidarity.
The WFTU expresses its full solidarity with the activists of the Sumud Flotilla and with all those who struggle for peace, justice, and dignity. We salute the courage of the trade unionists and internationalists who, despite threats and repression, continue to stand with the Palestinian people.
No act of repression will deter the international labor movement from standing firmly on the side of justice, peace, and international solidarity.
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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