Taking COSATU Today Forward, 30 March 2026 #CosatuGreenIndustrilisation
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
30 March 2026
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- SAMWU welcomes court victory against DA and calls on workers to reject it at the polls
- NUM Free State Regional Women Structure condemns second fatal incident involving a female worker at Harmony Target Mine
- CWU welcomes Labour Court finding former General Secretary in contempt
- South Africa
- SADTU urges Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube to stop manipulating departmental recruitment processes
- International
- IG Metall challenges Tesla works council election over intimidation and threats
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics #ClassWar
SAMWU welcomes court victory against DA and calls on workers to reject it at the polls
Mpho Tladinyane, SAMWU Gauteng Provincial Secretary, 27 March 2026
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) notes and welcomes the outcome of the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg which has struck from the roll the urgent application brought by the Democratic Alliance (DA) seeking to halt the implementation of the Politically Facilitated Agreement (PFA). The Court found that the matter lacked urgency and awarded costs against the applicant, confirming that the attempt to interdict the implementation of the agreement could not be sustained.
SAMWU extends its appreciation to the thousands of workers who gathered in their numbers for the night vigil on the eve of the hearing, as well as the thousands more who filled the streets of Johannesburg on the day of the proceedings. This level of mobilisation reflects a decisive shift in the posture of workers, who have made it clear that they will no longer tolerate delays in the implementation of agreements that directly affect their livelihoods. Workers have spoken with one voice: the time for waiting is over.
What we have witnessed in Johannesburg is the living expression of the mandate of the 13th National Congress of SAMWU. The call of Congress has been taken up by workers on the ground, not as a slogan, but as a programme of action:
We will organise,
We will mobilise,
We will fight,
The thousands who stood outside the court did so with discipline, unity and clarity of purpose. They demonstrated that workers are ready to defend their gains and to confront any attempt to undermine them. This mobilisation confirms that the PFA is not a distant policy issue, but a matter that goes to the heart of workers’ lives, their dignity and the survival of their families.
This outcome also exposes, in the clearest possible terms, the political posture of the Democratic Alliance. Having failed to impose its position through Council processes, the DA turned to the courts in a desperate attempt to block the implementation of an agreement that addresses long-standing wage disparities.
This outcome also exposes, in the clearest possible terms, the political posture of the Democratic Alliance. Having failed to impose its position through Council processes, the DA turned to the courts in a desperate attempt to block the implementation of an agreement that addresses long-standing wage disparities.
This is not an isolated incident, but part of a consistent pattern in which the DA seeks to reverse gains made by workers, whether in Tshwane or now in Johannesburg.
Workers must not be confused. The DA has shown, through its actions, that it stands opposed to the interests of workers. It seeks to roll back gains that have been achieved through struggle. It seeks to weaken collective bargaining. It seeks to shift the burden of municipal challenges onto the shoulders of workers.
As the country moves towards the upcoming local government elections, SAMWU issues a clear and unambiguous call to workers and their families. Register to vote. Do not stay away on voting day. The conditions we face in many municipalities today are, in part, a consequence of workers not fully asserting their collective power at the ballot box.
Workers must use their vote as a weapon to defend their interests. They must reject those who seek to undermine their livelihoods. They must reject those who have demonstrated, in practice, that they are intent on reversing the gains that workers have fought for and secured.
Whatever workers do, they must reject the Democratic Alliance. Its record is clear. Its actions are consistent. It does not stand with workers. It stands against them.
We now call on the City of Johannesburg to proceed with the immediate implementation of the Politically Facilitated Agreement. The court outcome removes any remaining justification for delay. Workers have waited long enough. The City must act with urgency and ensure that workers receive what is due to them without further postponement.
Issued by SAMWU Gauteng Province
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NUM Free State Regional Women Structure condemns second fatal incident involving a female worker at Harmony Target Mine
Primrose Ntholeng NUM Free State Region Women Structure Chairperson, 27 March 2026
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Free State Regional Women Structure expresses its deepest sorrow and outrage following another fatal accident at Harmony Target Mine. This tragedy has claimed the life of a female employee—the second such fatality involving a woman at this operation in just two months.
It is devastating and unacceptable that lives continue to be lost under circumstances that raise serious concerns regarding workplace safety and machinery operations. As organized labor and as women within the mining sector, we are deeply disturbed by this recurring pattern.
"We demand urgent and transparent clarity from Harmony Gold management regarding these fatalities. Women in mining face unique vulnerabilities, and it is unacceptable that safety systems appear to be failing them. Workers have a right to the truth about the conditions under which they operate, especially as machinery-related incidents persist," said Primrose Ntholeng, NUM Free State Regional Women Structure Chairperson.
The NUM reminds the employer of its binding obligations under the Mine Health and Safety Act (No. 29 of 1996):
• Section 2(1): The employer must ensure a safe and healthy working environment through proper design and equipment.
• Section 5(1): The employer must take reasonable steps to ensure employees can work without endangering themselves or others.
• Section 11(1): The employer must identify hazards and assess all associated risks.
The continued loss of life suggests a critical failure in implementation, oversight, or accountability. The recurrence of these incidents raises serious questions about maintenance, training, supervision, and safety compliance.
The NUM Free State Regional Women Structure will not stand by while women are exposed to life-threatening conditions. In response to this tragedy and the lack of satisfactory answers, the structure will organize a protest march to express collective frustration with Harmony Target Mine management. Details regarding the date and logistics will be communicated in due course.
We call on the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) to intervene urgently and conduct a thorough investigation. There must be accountability and immediate corrective action.
Women workers are not disposable. Their safety, dignity, and lives must never be compromised for production targets or profit margins.
Enough is enough.
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CWU welcomes Labour Court finding former General Secretary in contempt
27 March 2026
The Communications Workers Union (CWU) welcomes the 26 March Labour Court ruling, finding its former General Secretary, Aubrey Zanele Tshabalala, guilty of contempt for wilful and deliberate failure to comply with an interim court order issued on 23 January 2023.
The said order interdicted all parties from implementing or giving effect to any decisions taken at the Special National Congress of the CWU held on 22 and 23 December 2022, pending the finalisation of the main proceedings before the Court.
The Court further recorded that the Labour Appeal Court had dismissed Mr Tshabalala’s petition for leave to appeal, confirming that the interim order was valid, binding, and enforceable.
Despite this clear legal position, the Labour Court found that Mr Tshabalala continued to act and present himself as the General Secretary of the CWU. This included representing the union publicly, engaging employers and external stakeholders, issuing correspondence, disciplining members, and managing union affairs. The Court
held that this conduct was wilful, mala fide, and in direct defiance of the authority of the Court.
As a result, the Labour Court found Mr Tshabalala guilty of contempt of court and imposed a sentence of a R10,000 fine and three years’ imprisonment, both of which are suspended for a period of three years on condition that he fully complies with the court order. The Court further ordered that, should there be any further non-compliance, a warrant of arrest will be issued immediately, and the fine will become payable forthwith. Mr Tshabalala was also ordered to pay the legal costs of the application, and the judgment must be personally served on him or his attorneys.
CWU wishes to place on record that Tshabalala has no authority to act on behalf of, represent, or make decisions for the union. All decisions taken at the Special National Congress of December 2022 remain suspended and of no force or effect pending the outcome of the matter before court.
CWU calls on all employers, institutions, and stakeholders to take note of this legal position and to refrain from engaging with any unauthorised individual purporting to
represent the union.
CWU further conveys its sincere appreciation to its legal representatives, in particular Advocate Myron D.B. Betshanger, instructed by TNK Attorneys, for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution of the union, defending the authority of the courts, and protecting the interests of CWU members.
CWU reaffirms its commitment to constitutional governance, accountability, unity, and the rule of law, and will continue to act in the best interests of its members.
Further communication will be issued as and when developments arise.
South Africa #ClassSolidarity
SADTU urges Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube to stop manipulating departmental recruitment processes
Dr. Mugwena Maluleke, SADTU General Secretary, 27 March 2026
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) strongly condemns the abuse of power by the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, in the Department’s recruitment processes. The Minister’s actions represent a blatant disregard for DPSA directives and the law.
SADTU has learned through media reports that the Minister allegedly attempted to alter the requirements of a job advertisement for a departmental spokesperson by adding a postgraduate qualification. However, officials did not include this requirement in the advertisement, and she only discovered the omission after candidates had already been shortlisted. It is further alleged that her ministerial staff submitted CVs after the closing date of the advertisement. This amounts to clear irregularity and reflects desperation to control both the political office and administration in violation of the PFMA and other directives.
The Minister’s conduct undermines lawful governance processes, established employment legislation, and collective agreements negotiated in good faith at the Public Service Co-Ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC). Furthermore, it threatens the integrity and credibility of recruitment in the public service.
The recruitment process in question was not defective. It fully complied with the Directive on Human Resource Management and Development for Public Service Professionalisation, which outlines the minimum qualifications and experience required for senior management service posts. HR officials were executing their duties in line with these directives, yet the Minister seeks to portray them as politically connected. Threatening staff with lifestyle audits while they are fulfilling their responsibilities in accordance with DPSA directives is shameful and must be rejected. Furthermore, the alleged use of sympathetic journalists to justify actions that undermine established directives is deeply embarrassing.
Let it be stated clearly: the Minister is the one who undermined public service directives and collective agreements, which she has no authority to change. Her interference appears
intended to exclude applicants who qualified in terms of DPSA directives and circulars. How can she accuse staff of failing to comply with her instructions when she herself has violated established directives? SADTU will not remain silent while employees are subjected to unlawful instructions.
Additionally, media reports suggest that the Minister attempted to influence key stages of the recruitment process, including the narrowing of candidates and the rejection of shortlists. She allegedly favoured an SABC journalist and a News24 journalist for the position.
The Minister’s conduct reflects the broader posture of her political party, the DA, which has consistently demonstrated hostility towards public servants and has openly advocated for drastic reductions in the public service wage bill. The party has repeatedly campaigned for changes in public employment policies under the guise of opposing cadre deployment and has challenged progressive labour legislation such as the Employment Equity Amendment Act.
SADTU will not stand by while political office bearers attempt to manipulate recruitment processes to serve narrow interests. Workers’ rights, fair recruitment practices, and the rule of law were secured through immense sacrifice and cannot be undermined.
SADTU calls on Minister Gwarube to immediately cease abusing her powers and to respect departmental recruitment processes and the legal framework governing public service appointments.
We also urge officials who have been intimidated or threatened to lay charges with the police and report the matter to the Public Service Commission. Employees must understand that the law is on their side and should not be intimidated.
Where is the Public Protector when officials are being intimidated by the Minister and her associates?
What is the Public Protector waiting for?
ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat
International-Solidarity
IG Metall challenges Tesla works council election over intimidation and threats
26 March, 2026
IG Metall has filed a legal motion to declare the works council election held at Tesla's Gigafactory in Grünheide, Germany, on 25 March 2026 invalid, citing unlawful interference by management in the democratic election process.
The motion is based on Section 19 of Germany’s Works Constitution Act, which prohibits obstruction of elections through threats or adverse consequences.
A pattern of intimidation
IG Metall points to a sustained campaign of intimidation against workers and candidates who supported the union list. For months, workers were told that voting for IG Metall was tantamount to voting against Tesla and would have consequences for the future of the plant and their jobs.
The intimidation came predominantly from supervisors and plant managers, who hold a special position within the company, which they have used to influence the election in an improper manner. Illuminated advertising on the factory façade was permitted for the pro-management list but immediately blocked for the IG Metall list. Managers distributed badges bearing the slogan “Giga Yes, Trade Union No,” warned workers that voting for IG Metall would mean lower pay and, in some cases, issued direct instructions such as: “I can only advise you not to vote for the red list.”
IG Metall and IndustriALL president Christiane Benner said:
“The impression that the election at Tesla was influenced by threats is too serious not to be resolved in court. Our colleagues at the plant, as well as the candidates for the works council, deserve fair elections without the feeling that they might subsequently be punished for their decisions. In a German constitutional state, this must not only be possible but a matter of course – and, in our view, this was not the case in the recent works council elections at Tesla. Democratic principles must apply to these vitally important democratic elections in this country.”
Jan Otto, IG Metall regional director for Berlin-Brandenburg-Saxony, described the situation as unprecedented:
“As a trade unionist, I have never experienced such an attack on democratic co-determination as at Tesla. Elon Musk and the German Tesla management have used all their power to steer this works council election in their favour. We will defend ourselves against this by every means necessary. But legal disputes are not our priority, we are focusing all our efforts on working with our members to secure better working conditions at Grünheide.”
If the challenge succeeds, the current works council would be dissolved and a new election held.
The case has broader implications for German labour law. The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) has long called for a strict duty of employer neutrality in works council elections, arguing the Tesla case demonstrates the urgent need for stronger legal protections.
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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