Taking COSATU Today Forward, 29 August 2025 #CosatuCC2025
Norman Mampane
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COSATU TODAY Today, it’s #CosatuRedFRidays…. #Cosatu scheduled to convene its ordinary 8th Central Committee in 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
29 August 2025
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- Condemnation of Taxi Impoundment and Violence
- South Africa
- Government Communications honours life and legacy of Tshidi Madia
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- Heat stress and climate change: New report a call to action for workers’ safety
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
Condemnation of Taxi Impoundment and Violence
Charles Mchunu, SATDWU Deputy President, 28 August 2025
The South African Taxi Drivers Workers Union (SATDWU) strongly condemns the recent surge in taxi impoundments and violent incidents between e-hailing and minibus drivers in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape. These actions not only threaten the livelihoods of taxi drivers and operators but also compromise the safety and well-being of passengers.
Impact on Livelihoods
The taxi industry is a vital component of South Africa's transportation network, providing employment and income for hundreds of thousands of people. The impoundment of taxis and violent clashes between drivers can have devastating consequences for those who depend on the industry for their livelihood. SATDWU urges authorities to consider the human impact of their actions and work towards finding solutions that balance regulation with the needs of industry stakeholders.
Proposed Solutions
Task Team Establishment
SATDWU proposes the establishment of a task team comprising representatives from the Department of Transport, SANTACO, NTA, SA Commuters Association and SATDWU to address the challenges facing the taxi industry, including permit processing and industry formalisation.
Industry Formalisation
SATDWU advocates for the formal registration of taxi businesses with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and the South African Revenue Services (SARS), ensuring compliance with tax and labour laws.
Skills Development and Training:
SATDWU supports the provision of skills development and training programs for taxi drivers and operators, focusing on road safety, customer service, and business management.
Conflict Resolution:
SATDWU calls for the establishment of effective conflict resolution mechanisms to address disputes between e-hailing and minibus drivers, promoting peaceful co-existence and cooperation.
To resolve conflicts and curb further violent encounters between e-hailing and minibus drivers, the following strategies can be employed:
Conflict Resolution Strategies
1. Establish a Joint Task Team:
Create a task team comprising representatives from both industries, law enforcement agencies, and relevant stakeholders to address issues and find mutually beneficial solutions.
2. Communication and Dialogue:
Encourage open communication and dialogue between e-hailing and minibus drivers to resolve disputes and address concerns.
3. Mediation and Arbitration:
Use neutral third-party mediators or arbitrators to resolve disputes and find mutually acceptable solutions.
4. Education and Training:
Provide education and training programs for drivers on conflict resolution, customer service, and road safety.
5. Regulatory Framework:
Develop and implement a clear regulatory framework that addresses the needs and concerns of both industries.
6. Community Engagement:
Engage with local communities and promote a positive image of both industries, highlighting their importance in providing transportation services.
7. Conflict Resolution Protocols:
Establish clear conflict resolution protocols and procedures for drivers to follow in case of disputes or incidents.
Additional Measures
1. Law Enforcement Presence:
Increase law enforcement presence in areas where conflicts are likely to occur.
2. Monitoring and Evaluation:
Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of conflict resolution strategies and make adjustments as needed.
3. Stakeholder Engagement:
Engage with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, industry associations, and community groups, to promote cooperation and understanding.
By implementing these strategies, it's possible to reduce conflicts and promote a safer, more harmonious environment for both e-hailing and minibus drivers.
SATDWU urges authorities, industry stakeholders, and law enforcement agencies to work together to address the challenges facing the taxi industry. By collaborating and engaging in constructive dialogue, we can find solutions that promote safety, stability, and prosperity for all stakeholders.
Government Communications honours life and legacy of Tshidi Madia
28 Aug 2025
It is with profound sadness that government has learned about the passing of Tshidi Madia, an esteemed journalist whose voice contributed immensely to South Africa’s democratic discourse.
Tshidi was more than a journalist; she was a beacon of integrity and a voice of reason. She served as an example of principled journalism, dedicating herself to upholding truth, fairness, and accuracy. Through her interactions with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), she fostered a constructive relationship between government and the media, helping to strengthen transparency and deepen public trust in communication.
Her career was dedicated to political reporting and was EWN’s Associate Editor: Politics at the time of her passing. Tshidi’s work is characterised by intellect, a deep understanding of South Africa's political dynamics, and the ability to make intricate topics accessible to the public. She was a political journalist who held power to account, not with malice, but with a firm belief in the importance of a well-informed citizenry.
She will be remembered not only for her professionalism and commitment to telling South Africa’s story, but also for her courage in setting the record straight during moments of international scrutiny. During the unfounded allegations made against South Africa about white-genocide, she rose above sensationalism to provide clarity and truth, to a global audience, ensuring that the world understood the reality of our nation beyond distortion and misinformation.
One of her notable contribution’s was her role as the EWN Politics Associate Editor. Through her critically acclaimed podcast, "Politricking with Tshidi Madia," she provided a platform for insightful and honest conversations with South Africa’s top politicians, and consistently engaged with government officials, pushing for accountability and clarity on behalf of the public.
Tshidi’s contributions extended beyond her reporting. She was a respected facilitator, a trusted voice, and a mentor to many aspiring journalists. Her legacy is one of unwavering dedication, ethical journalism, and a deep-seated love for her country.
Government extends its deepest condolences to Tshidi's family, friends, and the media fraternity. Her legacy of truth, courage and love for her country will continue to inspire future generations of journalists. Government salutes her memory and pays tribute to a remarkable journalist that she was!
Enquiries:
Mr Terry Vandayar
Acting Director-General
Cell: 082 444 9092
Mr
William Baloyi
Chief Director: Media Engagement
Cell: 082 678 3890
Issued by Government Communications
International-Solidarity
Heat stress and climate change: New report a call to action for workers’ safety
28 August 2025
The ITUC notes with deep concern the findings of the new WHO-WMO report, which highlights the growing risks of workplace heat stress due to escalating global temperatures.
Credit: WHO-WMO
Climate Change and Health: Taking Action to Protect Human Health in the Heat, outlines how heat is now one of the most dangerous and fastest-growing occupational health risks.
"There is a rolling disaster unfolding in our overheated workplaces. The WHO and WMO have made clear that workers are on the front lines of the climate crisis, and they must be included in the discussions on how to respond. ."ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle
“Working people cannot wait while the world burns. Unions are already taking action to save lives, and governments and employers must work with them to do the same.”
The report calls for urgent action to protect workers from the consequences of climate change, with a strong emphasis on worker participation and occupational safety.
Key findings include:
Excessive heat currently affects more than 2.4 billion workers worldwide, or 71 per cent of the global workforce.
Heat-related health risks include dehydration, kidney dysfunction and neurological disorders.
An estimated 18,970 deaths and 22.87 million occupational injuries each year are linked to excessive heat.
Productivity drops by up to 3% for every degree above 20°C.
Workers exposed to heat are significantly more likely to suffer workplace injuries and chronic illness.
The report calls for national heat-health action plans, mandatory employer policies, and specific protections for vulnerable groups. It also reinforces that decent work and climate action are inseparable.
The ITUC demands:
Binding maximum working temperatures tailored to sector-specific conditions.
Collective bargaining agreements to ensure enforceable protection from heat.
Mandatory heat risk assessments and workplace training.
Medical monitoring and the right to stop unsafe work without retaliation.
Laws recognising extreme heat as a workplace hazard, with additional safeguards for vulnerable workers.
Trade unions are taking action:
In India, SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association), representing women workers in the informal economy, launched a heatwave insurance programme for loss of income when it is impossible to work or meet targets.
In Cambodia, unionised garment workers experience 74% less dangerous heat exposure.
BWI’s Too Hot to Work campaign empowers workers to stop work during heatwaves.
The UK TUC mobilised 1,000 union safety reps to carry out heat inspections in July 2025.
UNI’s Global Amazon Alliance issued demands to ensure safe working conditions in excessive temperatures for workers employed by e-commerce giant Amazon.
The ITUC has produced a detailed briefing about the health and safety impacts of the climate crisis that is available here, and the ILO published this report with further evidence.
______________________________
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