Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin, 21 July 2026
Norman Mampane
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Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin
‘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
21 July 2026
“Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism”
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- 2026 National Employment Equity roadshows debuts in Kimberley and Polokwane this week
- South Africa-#ClassSolidarity!
- SACP Politburo statement following its special plenary session
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- Young Women Care Workers lead the training in India
- Unions meet to tackle Central Asia’s investment boom
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics #ClassWar
2026
National Employment Equity roadshows debuts in Kimberley and Polokwane this week
20
July 2026
The
joint national employment equity roadshows/workshops by the Department of Employment and Labour, Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) and the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to deal with equity issues, ending workplace discrimination,
and enforcing the Employment Equity Act begins this week.
The first 2026 Employment Equity (EE) workshops/roadshows will be held on Tuesday (21 July 2026) in Kimberley, Northern Cape at Horseshoe Inn 101 Memorial Road, Royldene. The second workshop will be held on Thursday (23 July 2026) in Polokwane, Limpopo Province
at – Meropa Casino 59 Prov Roodepoort Street, Ivy Park X14.
Held under the theme: “Bridging the Equity Gap Through Diversity & Inclusion” – the national workshops will end in September 2026.
The 2026 workshops will focus on:
• Presentation on the Draft Amended Code of Good Practice on the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the EE Plan;
• Presentation on practical demonstration of how to utilise the EE System online facilities to capture EE Reports and request EE Certificate of Compliance;
• Presentation on sharing of all types of unfair discrimination cases by the CCMA; and
• Presentation on labour law amendments – Labour Relations Act (LRA), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Employment Equity Act (EEA), National Minimum Wage Act (NMWA)
This year’s national EE workshops/roadshows come a year following the implementation of the Employment Equity Amendment Act, No 4 of 2022 which came into force on 1 January 2025. The new amendments and regulations introduced the setting of five-year sector
EE targets, the enhancement of EE System, how to request EE Certificate of Compliance to be able to conduct business with the State.
The rest of the schedule of 2026 national workshops is as follows:
Mpumalanga
• Mbombela Khayalami Hotel 29 Van Wijk Street (28 July 2026)
North West
• Rustenburg – Orion Safari Hotel, 1 Donkerhoek Road (30 July 2026)
KwaZulu-Natal
• Durban (04 August 2026)
• Pietermaritzburg (06 August 2026)
Western Cape
• Cape Town (11 August 2026)
Eastern Cape
• KuGompo (18 August 2026)
• Gqeberha (20 August 2026)
Gauteng
• Pretoria (25 August 2026)
• Johannesburg (27 August 2026)
Free State
• Bloemfontein (01 September 2026)
The EE workshops are targeted at Employers or Heads of organisations, employees and trade unions, Assigned Senior EE Managers, Consultative EE forum members, Human Resource Managers and Practitioners, Academics, Civil society, and interested stakeholders.
NB: All the workshops will be held from 09:00 to 16:00 and members of the media are invited.
More information on the EE workshops, including updates on the venues to be used, will be available on department’s and the CCMA's social media platform as well as the Department’s website:
www.labour.gov.za
For media inquiries, please contact:
Teboho Thejane
Departmental Spokesperson
082 697 0694/ teboho....@labour.gov.za
-ENDS-
Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour
South Africa #ClassSolidarity
SACP
Politburo statement following its special plenary session
Mbulelo
Mandlana, SACP Head of Media, Communications and Information, 21 July 2026
The
Politburo of the South African Communist Party (SACP) sat in its special meeting on 17 July 2026. The Politburo discussed the state of the Party at the present time and urgent organisational matters confronting it, including several aspects of the SACP elections
programme. The special Politburo also discussed the renewal of the Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA) as one of the most important issues in the SACP organisational revitalisation.
The SACP, through its structures, the Politburo and the Central Committee in particular, has a constitutional responsibility to continuously evaluate the state of the organisation, including the YCLSA, and take appropriate decisions in order to advance its
political objectives. The YCLSA remains a key source of political imagination and vigour for the Party as it takes its socialist programme forward, and therefore its welfare as an organisation is indispensable to the sustainability of the SACP and its vision.
The ability of the YCLSA to be a vibrant and effective league of the SACP is the primary concern of the SACP at all times.
Against the backdrop of a prior YCLSA National Committee decision to convene an early congress that was scheduled for 10-12 July 2026 in Moses Kotane Province (North West), the Politburo received a report in this regard and discussed the programme and the fate
of the YCLSA going forward from that purported congress.
The secretariat of the SACP played an oversight strategic role in the congress, as is practice in the Party, and the Politburo received a report in this regard. As part of its strategic oversight over the proceedings of the congress, the secretariat of the
SACP submitted a proposal to congress delegates in the plenary of congress to the effect that the congress status and mandate be converted to that of a national council as provided for in Article 2.7 of the YCLSA constitution. This proposal was made as an
intervention, having observed the administrative and political shortcomings of the congress and its processes, as well as with the view to maintain the unity of the YCLSA as an entity of the SACP.
Following a lengthy discussion of this proposal in the plenary, the delegates approved the proposal, which meant the gathering could not and did not elect a National Committee, as this is not in the constitutional purview of a national council. The meeting
therefore was effectively converted into a Special National Council, which focused on shaping a comprehensive organisational and political programme to revitalise the YCLSA and build a programme that reconnects the organisation with young people at its base.
Part of the council mandate and area of focus was the role of the YCLSA in the SACP elections programme. The YCLSA, thus, would be led by an interim leadership core for a determined limited period of time as appointed by the SACP.
In the context of this particular approach, the meeting received, discussed and adopted the political, organisational and financial reports as a guide to action and a foundation to consolidate a plan of action to be overseen by an interim leadership. The Special
National Council determined in its discussions that the impending interim leadership should convene a National Interim Leadership Core (NILC) meeting that will serve as an induction and first plenary session.
The Politburo considered and accepted the report of the secretariat regarding the YCLSA programme as well as the interventions and decisions of the secretariat in assisting the YCLSA to move forward. The Special National Council further mandated the National
Interim Leadership Core, through an augmented national meeting of the YCLSA, to adopt a programme of action and an 18-month roadmap in line with the terms of reference defined by the SACP Politburo as tabulated in the YCLSA constitution.
The decision to appoint a National Interim Leadership Core was made by the Politburo in conformity with the constitution of the YCLSA regarding the National Council and its mandate and in line with the powers of the Politburo as contained in the constitution
of the SACP.
The
Politburo also set out terms of reference for the National Interim Leadership Core, including the duration of its time of existence.
After thorough consultation and internal engagements with YCLSA provinces, the Politburo has determined the following to be the terms of reference for the National Interim Leadership Core:
· The NILC is given 18 months to convene the 7th National Congress on 6–9 December 2027.
· Revive and relaunch structures of the YCLSA with a focus on the four provinces not in good standing.
· Lead and play oversight in establishing new branches.
· Assess the state of the organisation in the provinces, receive reports from lower structures monthly and submit reports to the Politburo and Central Committee.
· Facilitate and convene provincial and district congresses.
· Organise all organisational activities on behalf of the National Committee.
· Represent the YCLSA in all events where the structure is invited nationally to immediately hit the ground running in delivering a youth vote to the South African Communist Party on 4 November 2026.
· Conduct induction for all newly elected provincial committees.
· Members of the Secretariat must participate weekly in the SACP Secretariat meetings without fail.
· The structure will have the powers of the National Committee in the period under review. In line with the powers of the National Committee, the NILC will elect four extra comrades, through co-option, looking into the principle of non-racialism and geographical
spread, with priority given to Northern Cape and Free State.
· The Interim National Secretary and Interim National Chairperson will be ex-officio members of the SACP Central Committee, and the Interim National Secretary, further, will be an ex-officio member of the Politburo.
The following comrades have been appointed to serve in the National Interim Leadership Core.
Interim National Secretary – Jan Nabane (M) GP
Interim National Chairperson – Mzwandile Thakhudi (M) FS
Interim National Treasurer – Tarik Lalla (M) GP SASCO
Interim 1st Deputy National Secretary – Ponego Pookgoadi (F) MP
Interim 2nd Deputy National Secretary – Thandeka Nkosi (F) MM (KZN)
Interim Deputy National Chairperson – Dr Thabani Dlamini (M) EC
NILC Committee Members:
Ayanda Mashaba (M) MP
Mogale Matsose II (M) MK (NW)
Edward ‘Obama’ Letsimo (M) MP: Elections Coordinator
Thabile Lenkwane (F) GP: National Spokesperson
Nuel Phatlane (M) GP: National Organising Secretary
Exlira Giose (F) WC
Gopotso Matlou (F) LMP
Kgomotso Molotseme (F) MK (NW)
Kyle Haselsteiner (M) GP
Lebogang Makhubele (M) LMP
Lerato Phela (F) MP
Dr Lesego Phetlhe (M) MK (NW)
Lindokuhle Mdlaose (M) MM (KZN)
Lucian Davids (M) WC
Lukhanyo Banda (M) EC
Sandra Wilkesen (F) GP
Sarah Mokwevho (F) GP
Sihle Mgushelo (F) EC
Thalente Cele (M) KZN
Themba Zondo (M) FS
We wish them well in reviving the YCLSA and rallying young people under the banner of the YCLSA and the Party.
Issued by SACP National Secretariat.
ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNIST PARTY,
FOUNDED IN 1921 AS THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Media, Communications & Information Department | MCID
International-Solidarity
Young Women Care Workers lead the training in India
20 July 2026
Women care sector workers from across India gathered in Ranchi, Jharkhand, for the second UNI Indian Liaison Council (UNI-ILC) Care Sector Women & Youth Workshop, an initiative designed to develop the next generation of women trade union leaders through leadership
development, organizing, and hands-on facilitation experience.
The workshop brought together women under the age of 40 from UNI-affiliated care unions across India to strengthen leadership, organizing skills, and awareness of workplace rights. Participants Sis. Geetanjali Thete (RMS), Sis. Rekha Kumari (BRCKS), Sis. Sweta
Ariya(JSNGEF) and Sis. Saibun Nisha (JSHCAEF) previous UNI-ILC women and youth workshops returned as facilitators, leading interactive sessions with the support of senior trade union leaders.
Many young women especially in care sector are already leading campaigns on ground through workplace meetings, social media outreach, and community organizing but have limited opportunities to develop confidence as trainers, particularly because of language
barriers. By creating a supportive environment, UNI-ILC enabled emerging women leaders to facilitate a national-level workshop. Through presentations, group discussions, practical exercises, and action planning, participants explored the changing world of
work in the care sector, digital organizing, understanding national budgets, safety of women, and strategies to expand union membership and worker engagement.
UNI Indian Liaison Council President, Brother Milind Nadkarni, praised the initiative as an important investment in the future of India’s trade union movement.
“This workshop demonstrates what real leadership development looks like. We are not only training young women—we are creating opportunities for them to become trainers, mentors, and leaders themselves. Seeing participants from earlier workshops confidently
facilitate national sessions demonstrates how investing in young women strengthens our unions for the future. Their commitment, courage, and willingness to lead are inspiring. I congratulate these young women on successfully leading a national-level care sector
workshop and wish them a fruitful future as they continue to grow as trade union leaders.”
UNI Asia & Pacific Regional Secretary Rajendra Acharya emphasized the importance of investing in future leaders.
“Strong unions are built by investing in new leaders. This workshop is more than a training program—it is about creating opportunities for young women care workers to gain the confidence, skills, and experience to lead, organize, and inspire others. Seeing
former participants step into the role of trainers reflects the sustainable leadership model that UNI Apro is committed to building across the region.”
The workshop was hosted by the Jharkhand State Non-Gazetted Employees Federation (JSNGEF-IN) and the Jharkhand State Health & Care Employees Federation (JSHCAEF-IN), whose leaders welcomed participants from across the country.
Ashok Singh, General Secretary of JSNGEF-IN, said: “Hosting this workshop in Ranchi has been a proud moment for our unions. What makes this program different is that young women who once sat in these workshops as participants are now confidently leading discussions
and activities. This is exactly how we build sustainable leadership within our movement—by trusting young organizers and giving them the opportunity to grow.”
Rekha Mandal, General Secretary of JSHCAEF-IN, highlighted the importance of creating supportive spaces for emerging women leaders. “Young women in the care sector already organize workers every day in their communities, yet they rarely have the opportunity
to stand in front of a room and lead a workshop. This program gives them that confidence. Seeing them become trainers while supporting one another is a powerful example of women empowering women and building stronger unions from the grassroots.”
JSNGEF-IN Joint Secretary Susant Kumar Sahoo praised the programs presented by the participants and remarked that such workshops help convey a positive message regarding union activities.
“The Government of India and the Government of Jharkhand are doing excellent work for women’s empowerment, particularly for the benefit of young women. We must discuss these initiatives during our union programs so that young women can avail themselves of the
benefits; this will enable empowered women and young leaders to step forward and strengthen the union as well as the unity and integrity of our country.”
The workshop forms part of UNI Apro’s ongoing commitment to strengthening women and youth leadership in the care sector through mentorship, peer learning, and practical experience, helping develop a new generation of women leaders equipped to organize workers,
build stronger unions, and advance decent work across India’s care economy.
______________________
Unions meet to tackle Central Asia’s investment boom
13 July, 2026
IndustriALL, with the support of the Workers’ Bureau (ACTRAV) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) held a series of sub-regional and national
meetings with the affiliated trade unions from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, from 8 to 10 July 2026. The meetings were hosted by the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.
A region in rapid change
The Central Asian sub-region is going through rapid growth and change, as countries democratize and open their economies to the world. Investment is flowing in from China, Russia, the Gulf, Türkiye, European countries and elsewhere, often through joint ventures.
For unions in the region, who have traditionally worked mostly with state-owned enterprises or local private companies, the entry of global capital is a new experience. It raises new challenges, as investors have different expectations over the leeway they
expect over their workforce. Different working cultures are also clashing with traditional industrial practices.
The economy is also seeing growth in self-employment and platform work.
Union representation at automobile industry
Automobile industry investments are in increasing in Central Asia, particularly in Uzbekistan. Quite a number of multinationals are already in place and struggle for union representation is a continuous effort. For example, Chinese electric and hybrid vehicle
manufacturer BYD recently opened a factory in Uzbekistan with an annual production capacity of 50,000 cars. As part of the joint venture agreement, the metalworkers’ union secured recognition and collective bargaining cover and workers earn more than the national
average. However concerns remain about the level of influence unions have to improve conditions further.
Investment across sectors
Investment is flowing into oil, gas and energy and the region is at the beginning of an expected renewables boom, with wind and solar projects under way.
The chemical and pharmaceutical sector is also seeing foreign investment and the commodities boom, with rising gold and copper prices, keeps the mining industry in a strong position.
The development of the Trans-Caspian Corridor, a modern revival of an ancient trade route between China and Europe, is raising the region’s profile as a logistics hub. This is likely to drive growth in supply chain manufacturing for the automotive, energy and
other sectors.
New ILO convention on platform work
The ILO ACTRAV senior specialist Gocha Aleksandria spoke about the results of the recent International Labour Conference and the new ILO Convention on the Platform Economy, C193. He also spoke about ratification rates in the sub-region, which are high, and
the level and quality of implementation and social dialogue.
Tools for organizing global capital
IndustriALL campaigns and organizing director, Walton Pantland, spoke about tools to tame global capital, including human rights due diligence (HRDD), investor engagement, OECD complaints mechanisms and complaints processes through international financial institutions.
He also stressed the importance of organizing newly emerging sectors.
The discussion was lively and unions enjoyed exchanging views on the changing economy and opportunities for union growth.
Interest and appetite from the unions for international cooperation and solidarity
While IndustriALL affiliates re-affirmed their strong commitment for closer cooperation at international level, non-affiliated unions attended the meetings expressed their interest and appetite to learn more about IndustriALL with an intention to join and participate
in the global structures.
“The economy in this region is growing rapidly as global capital moves in to invest in raw materials, manufacturing and energy. There is tremendous opportunity for union growth. We need to make sure that this vital part of the global economy is well-organized
and that the unions are connected to their peers in other countries,”
said Kemal Özkan, IndustriALL assistant general secretary.
______________________________
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