Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin, 1 October 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
1 October 2026
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- NEHAWU Mpumalanga PEC Statement
- South Africa
- COSATU to mark WFTU’s 81st Anniversary with Nationwide Worker Activities
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- Young workers organising for the future: World Day for Decent Work
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics #ClassWar
NEHAWU Mpumalanga PEC Statement
Jimmy Motha, NEHAWU Mpumalanga Acting Provincial Secretary, October 01, 2026
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] in Mpumalanga convened its Provincial Executive Committee [PEC] meeting on the 22nd – 23rd September 2026 in Mbombela.
The PEC considered the international context, political and socio-economic situations including organisational assessment in particular matters affecting our members and the working class in the province.
International Balance of Forces
The PEC noted what it regards as a persistent global shift towards a war economy, which it views as a priority for the ruling circles of capitalism to ensure profitability for multinational monopolies and the expansion of the geopolitical power of developed imperialist states.
The PEC noted announcements of significant increases in military spending by the United States of America (USA), the European Union (EU) and NATO allies. The union believes that, apart from posing a threat to global peace and security, increased military expenditure could contribute to harsher austerity measures and widening social inequality.
The PEC also noted that, in 2026, the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) celebrates 81 years of existence in the working-class struggle. Since its establishment in 1945, the WFTU has sought to represent and give a voice to millions of workers across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Arab world.
On 3 October, the WFTU will commemorate its historic founding date through an International Action Day, which this year takes place under the slogan: “United in action and struggle, we demand”
The campaign calls for:
· Science and technology in the service of humanity and not of monopolies and the oligarchy of wealth.
· Work with rights that meet the contemporary needs of workers.
· An economy for progress and not for war and destruction.
The PEC agreed to prepare build-up activities towards 3 October 2026, the anniversary of the founding of the WFTU. The PEC directed regions and branches to connect workplace struggles with internationalism. Workplace activities responding to this call will therefore take place from 2–9 October 2026.
National Political Situation
The PEC expressed its concern regarding the postponement of the 15th National Congress of COSATU, which it regards as a significant setback for the advancement of the working-class struggle in South Africa.
The PEC expressed confidence in the National Office Bearers that working together with other COSATU affiliates, will provide steadfast and capable leadership to ensure that the Congress achieves its intended objectives.
The PEC observed with considerable concern that the country continues to grapple with high levels of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), and that it also affects Mpumalanga Province.
The PEC called on all sectors of society to work collaboratively with law-enforcement authorities and other relevant institutions in addressing and mitigating this serious challenge. The PEC further acknowledged and commended the dedicated efforts of NEHAWU members and partner organisations in providing meaningful support to affected individuals and their families.
The PEC made a comprehensive assessment and analysis of the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections and noted that the electoral terrain may prove more difficult than in previous election cycles. In the PEC's assessment, this is due to multiple socio-economic challenges, service-delivery concerns and various subjective and objective factors that could shape the electoral environment. The PEC further noted that the South African Communist Party (SACP) intends to contest the elections independently.
Accordingly, the PEC reaffirmed its alignment with the resolution adopted by the 13th National Congress to support the SACP in the forthcoming 2026 Local Government Elections.
The PEC noted with considerable concern what it regards as a sustained campaign against NEHAWU Mpumalanga on social media platforms, which seeks to characterise the union as being adversarial towards the African National Congress (ANC).
It must be clearly stated that the union has taken no decision to de-campaign the African National Congress. The union therefore maintains that its decision to support the SACP must be respected by all members.
The PEC further noted social media posts concerning three NEHAWU members who are currently under suspension, including claims that they are being disciplined because of their support for the ANC. The union wishes to state categorically that no member of NEHAWU should be subjected to disciplinary proceedings solely on the basis of their support for any political party.
The PEC calls on those engaged in what the union regards as divisive activities to cease such conduct. NEHAWU will defend the integrity and reputation of the union against misinformation and political opportunism.
The PEC has also noted developments involving what it regards as alliances of convenience between rival unions and political actors, which it believes are intended to undermine NEHAWU for political advantage. NEHAWU Mpumalanga will address these matters through the appropriate organisational processes and will not be discouraged by what it considers to be unfounded allegations.
Socio-Economic Situation
The PEC agreed to intensify efforts on socio-economic and workplace matters, including, but not limited to:
· Concluding the process of absorbing Community Healthcare Workers.
· Filling all vacant posts.
· Insourcing of outsourced services.
· Advancing transformation and implementing relevant resolutions within the TVET and CET sectors.
Beyond these measures, the union will continue rolling out comprehensive education and training programmes. These initiatives will be complemented by the union’s paralegal strategy as an important mechanism for defending members and shop stewards against unfair treatment and conduct by employers.
Organisational Matters.
NEHAWU is a red and revolutionary union that was born in the belly of the beast. Throughout its history, the union has survived numerous battles and different political and organisational epochs.
The matter involving the three suspended members is an internal constitutional matter between the union and the affected members. According to the union, it has nothing to do with their individual political choices. NEHAWU therefore calls on external parties to refrain from interfering in the union’s internal organisational processes.
The PEC agreed to continue driving the “Close the Ranks and Defend the Base” programme to ensure that members across all sectors in which the union organisers are serviced. This programme seeks to advance workplace organisation, defend collective bargaining, heighten class consciousness and advance internationalism.
The union will further roll out a programme aimed at strengthening the Public Service Delivery Campaign by advocating for solutions to challenges confronting our members and contributing towards building a strong and capable public service in the Province. This programme will be coupled with a dedicated recruitment campaign across all four regions of Mpumalanga Province.
Lastly, following the successful NEHAWU 13th National Congress, held at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg from 26–29 June 2026 under the theme, “Advance Workplace Organisation to Defend Collective Bargaining, Heighten Class Consciousness and Advance Internationalism,” the Provincial Executive Committee convened for the first time following the National Congress.
The PEC congratulated the newly elected National Office Bearers and considered the vacancy in the position of Provincial Secretary following the election of Comrade Welcome Mnisi as the 1st Deputy General Secretary. The PEC agreed to fill the vacancy, and appointed Comrade Jimmy Motha, the former Regional Secretary of Gert Sibande Region, as the Acting Provincial Secretary.
END
Issued by NEHAWU Mpumalanga Secretariat
South Africa #ClassSolidarity
COSATU to mark WFTU’s 81st Anniversary with Nationwide Worker Activities
Zanele Sabela, COSATU Spokesperson, 1 October 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) will join workers across the world in commemorating the 81st anniversary of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) by holding a range of activities across the country.
Founded on 3 October 1945, WFTU represents more than 105 million workers in over 133 countries. The international federation is set to observe its 2026 International Day of Action under the slogan, “United in action and struggle, we demand!”
The global campaign highlights workers’ demands for significant wage increases and stable employment with accompanying rights; universal public healthcare, education and social security; an end to imperialist wars and exploitation; and the use of science and technology for humanity rather than monopolies and wealthy oligarchies, and the struggles to end exploitation and build socialism.
In South Africa, COSATU and its affiliates will translate these demands into workplace and community actions, including marches, pickets, demonstrations, memorandum handovers and worker engagements.
The activities will also culminate in International Decent Work Day on 7 October, when workers will highlight the urgent need for jobs, decent wages, safe workplaces, collective bargaining rights, social protection and respect for trade union rights.
As WFTU’s anniversary falls on a Saturday, most activities will take place on 2 October. For instance, Gauteng will host a WFTU webinar on Decent Work, Safe Workplaces, Strong Unions on Friday, followed by marches in Johannesburg and Tshwane on 7 October targeting several government departments including Employment and Labour, Transport, Home Affairs, Health, Education, SALGA, Massmart Stores, North West Transport Investment and the South African Police Service.
KwaZulu-Natal will conduct workplace programmes in the health sector and major Decent Work Day mobilisations; including a DENOSA march in Durban next Wednesday, a picket in Umhlathuze at Richards Bay Minerals, as well as workplace pickets by SACCAWU across several towns, focusing on labour brokers, National Minimum Wage compliance, job security, union rights and workplace safety.
Limpopo will hold lunchtime demonstrations focused on the rising cost of living, escalating electricity prices, austerity, minimum wage compliance and unfair labour practices, as well as a demand for the introduction of a provident fund at Jumbo Stores in Polokwane.
Mpumalanga will mark the occasion through memorandum handovers at MÁfrica Clinics in Ehlanzeni, Mkhondo Hospital in Gert Sibande and KwaMhlanga Government Complex on Friday.
Decent Work Day actions will include municipal pickets by SAMWU focusing on socio-economic and labour challenges within municipalities. A lunchtime picket by SACCAWU at the Super Spar as well as a picket at Thakasile Farms in Nelspruit will follow up on issues raised previous memorandums.
COSATU Free State will hold a provincial march in Bloemfontein, with memorandums addressing worker concerns to be handed to various government departments including the Department of Employment and Labour, Eskom, SALGA, Pick n Pay, etc.
Western Cape will focus action at GrandWest/Sun International on retrenchments, job losses and the demand for decent work.
Northern Cape will hold a SACCAWU-led march in Kimberley, culminating in the handing over of memorandums to Boxer Superstores, Department of Employment and Labour, and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.
For COSATU, the WFTU anniversary is an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of international working-class solidarity and the need for workers to unite against the common challenges of high unemployment, retrenchments, low wages, rising cost of living and attacks on collective bargaining, and to lay the foundations for a socialist society.
COSATU calls on workers to participate actively in the planned activities and to use the WFTU International Day of Action and International Decent Work Day to make their demands heard.
Issued by COSATU
Internationalism-Solidarity
Young workers organising for the future: World Day for Decent Work
1 October 2026
This 7 October, World Day for Decent Work, trade unions are putting young workers at the centre of their demands for decent jobs, living wages, secure employment
and respect for workers’ rights.
Over the past year, young people in countries across the world have mobilised for change. Despite different political, social and economic contexts, many share common concerns: high youth unemployment, low wages, precarious work and a cost-of-living crisis
that is making it increasingly difficult to build decent lives.
They are demanding a say in the decisions that shape their lives. This is the same demand for working people to have a voice that drives the ITUC’s Fight For Democracy campaign.
Trade unions have a vital role to play in ensuring that young people can exercise their rights, organise collectively and build the power to shape their workplaces, economies and societies.
“Young workers are telling us clearly that the status quo is not delivering the future they deserve. Insecure jobs, low wages and a rising cost of living cannot become the norm for a new generation of workers.”
ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle
“Organising gives young workers the collective power to change those conditions. Trade unions must create the space for young workers to organise, lead and make their voices heard. Their fight for decent work is also a fight for a democratic future.”
ITUC affiliates will use the day to highlight the realities facing young workers, showcase how they are organising and leading change, and demand policies that deliver decent jobs, living wages, secure employment and workers’ rights.
On 7 October, from 15:00 to 16:30 CEST, the ITUC will host the webinar ‘For Democracy: Young workers organising for the future’, bringing together five young trade unionists who have experienced major protest movements over the past year. Register here for
the webinar.
They will discuss what is driving young people to mobilise, how young trade unionists are building union power and how unions can strengthen young workers’ participation in the trade union movement and democratic life.
Campaign materials are available here for affiliates, who are encouraged to share their actions using #WDDW2026.
https://trello.com/c/YCNcw2Id/395-young-workers-organising-for-the-future-wddw26
______________________________
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