Taking COSATU Today Forward, 3 August 2026 #CosatuCongressCountdown
Norman Mampane
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COSATU TODAY COSATU Call Center Contacts: 010 002 2590 It’s #WomensMonth, August… #GenderEquality… #GreenJobs #NationaActionAgainstCostOfLiving Campaign continues… #ClassWar #Cosatu40 #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
3 August 2026
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- NUM NAHSCO calls for urgent action to end workplace fatalities and defend workers' lives
- South Africa
- President Cyril Ramaphosa appoints members of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide
- Government sends well wishes to SABC on its 90th anniversary
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- India: workers and farmers reaffirm united action
Workers’
Parliament-Back2Basics #ClassWar
NUM NAHSCO calls for urgent action to end workplace fatalities and defend workers' lives
Masibulele Naki, NUM National Health and Safety Secretary & Diamond Sector Chief Negotiator, 02 August 2026.
The National Health and Safety Committee (NAHSCO) of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), which convened at the Elijah Barayi Memorial Training Centre (EBMTC) in Midrand from 28–29 July 2026, expresses its profound concern over the deteriorating health and safety standards in the mining and construction sectors.
Rising Workplace Fatalities Demand Immediate Action
The Committee noted with grave concern that 38 mineworkers and 23 construction workers have lost their lives in workplace incidents during the reporting period. These are not mere statistics—they are human beings, parents, siblings, and breadwinners who left home to earn an honest living but never returned.
The NUM firmly maintains that these deaths are preventable. Workers continue to sacrifice their lives while generating wealth for companies that too often prioritize production and profit above human dignity, safety, and health. Every fatality represents a catastrophic failure of leadership, planning, and accountability, leaving behind grieving families and devastated communities.
Growing Alarm Over Fatalities Among Women Workers
The Committee is particularly alarmed by an emerging and deeply unsettling trend: an increasing number of women workers losing their lives in the workplace. This unacceptable reality requires urgent investigation and decisive intervention. Memorial services and messages of condolence are not enough. South Africa requires bold, enforceable action to ensure workers do not die while earning a living.
The Committee further noted that behind every fatality are numerous serious injuries, occupational diseases, psychological trauma, and a demoralized workforce. The NUM reiterates that every worker has a constitutional right to return home safe and sound after every shift.
Mining Companies Must Return to Tripartite Health and Safety Forums
NUM NAHSCO is deeply concerned that major mining houses are retreating from structured safety engagements by abandoning Tripartite Health and Safety Forums. At a time when the industry continues to experience unacceptable fatalities, employers should be strengthening cooperation—not withdrawing from it.
The Committee notes with disappointment that Anglo American withdrew from the Tripartite Forum initiative, with Valterra subsequently following suit. The cancellation of all planned Tripartite Health and Safety meetings for 2026 demonstrates a disturbing lack of commitment to genuine stakeholder engagement.
Tripartite forums—bringing together organized labor, employers, and government—are fundamental to identifying risks, resolving safety challenges, and preventing fatalities. Employers who distance themselves from these structures actively weaken collective efforts to save lives.
The Committee calls on Anglo American, Valterra, and all mining companies to recommit to meaningful tripartite engagement and immediately reinstate all cancelled meetings. Furthermore, employers must strengthen Regional Tripartite Forums as essential operational structures. Health and safety is not an optional exercise—it is a legal, moral, and social imperative.
Recognizing Excellence in Health and Safety
Despite these alarming conditions, NAHSCO recognizes companies that demonstrate that workplace fatalities can be eliminated through strong leadership and unwavering safety protocols. The Committee commends:
- Kusasalethu Mine
- Exxaro Leeuwpan Mine
- Phakisa Mine (Free State)
These operations prove that "Zero Harm" is achievable when employers invest in robust safety systems, worker participation, and proactive risk management.
Impala’s "Safety Day" Cannot Replace Genuine Safety
The Committee strongly condemns the recent "Safety Day" organized by Impala Mine following multiple workplace fatalities at its operations. The NUM was deliberately excluded from this event despite being a primary stakeholder and recognized representative of the workforce.
The NUM rejects any attempt to portray PR events as genuine safety commitments while workers continue to die. Safety is not built through stadium gatherings or public relations campaigns—it is built through visible leadership, proper equipment maintenance, effective supervision, and authentic worker participation. The Committee views Impala’s event as an attempt to divert attention from urgent, necessary safety reforms.
Retrenchments in Diamond Sector Threaten Livelihoods
The Committee expresses serious concern over developments in the diamond mining sector, where employers are responding to economic pressures with mass retrenchments rather than collaborating with organized labor on sustainable solutions.
Key areas of concern include:
- Finch Mine (Kimberley): Currently under Business Rescue.
- Venetia Mine (Musina): Over 1,100 permanent jobs under immediate threat.
- Cullinan Mine (Pretoria): Workers face ongoing uncertainty regarding their future.
The NUM rejects the trend of restructuring the diamond sector at the expense of workers. Mineworkers must not carry the burden of corporate mismanagement while executive profits remain protected.
NUM Demands Stricter Enforcement and Accountability
NUM NAHSCO calls on the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate, employers, and all industry stakeholders to urgently intensify efforts to eliminate fatalities and injuries.
The Committee demands:
- Stricter enforcement of health and safety legislation.
- Direct accountability for employers who fail to protect workers.
- Meaningful worker participation in all health and safety structures.
The NUM remains resolute in fighting for safe workplaces, job security, and the dignity of every worker. The lives of mineworkers and construction workers are priceless and will never be sacrificed for production targets.
Our message is clear: Every worker who leaves home for work deserves to return home alive. One death is one too many.
Issued by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) – National Health and Safety Committee (NAHSCO)
South Africa #ClassSolidarity
President
Cyril Ramaphosa appoints members of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide
31
Jul 2026
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed members of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide for a period of three years from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2029.
The President has appointed members of the Council in terms of section 6(1)(a) read with sections 6(2) and (3), and section 9(1)(a) of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act, 2024 (Act No. 9 of 2024).
The Council is a statutory body mandated to provide strategic leadership on the elimination of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa.
It is also charged with coordinating a multi-sectoral and an inter-sectoral approach towards the implementation of the national strategy addressing gender-based violence and femicide at national, provincial and local level and at community and other forums.
The President has appointed the following Council members:
Dr Ramalepe Lebogang Mathibe;
Ms Keitumetse Fatimata Moutloatse;
Ms Caroline Peters;
Dr Zubeda Dangor;
Ms Vuyisiwe Numalo;
Mr Anele Siswana; and
Mr TWM Limema.
President Ramaphosa has, in terms of section 6(6)(a) of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act, designated Dr Ramalepe L. Mathibe as the Chairperson of the Council and Ms Welheminah R. (Shoki) Tshabalala as the Deputy Chairperson.
As the Council assumes its term at the start of Women’s Month, President Ramaphosa expects that the Council will leverage the classification of gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster to challenge harmful attitudes and practices, advance women’s
economic empowerment, strengthen law enforcement and scale up survivor-centred support.
Enquiries:
Vincent Magwenya
Spokesperson to the President
E-mail: me...@presidency.gov.za
Issued by The Presidency
______________________
Government
sends well wishes to SABC on its 90th anniversary
31
Jul 2026
Government sends its warmest congratulations to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on the historic milestone of its 90th anniversary.
As one of South Africa’s esteemed public institutions, the SABC has, informed, educated and entertained generations of South Africans, while telling the nation’s unique story.
Central to SABC’s journey has been its ability to transform alongside South Africa, adapting to the changing needs of audiences across radio, television and digital platforms. Through its transformation processes, the public broadcaster has remained a trusted
source of news, information, education, sport, culture and entertainment for millions of South Africans.
Government recognises the SABC’s contribution to nation-building, social cohesion and the strengthening of democracy through programming that reflects South Africa’s diverse voices, languages and lived experiences.
Over 9 decades, SABC has captured many of the defining moments in South Africa’s history and has served as a vital platform for public information, dialogue and shared national memory. Its continued role in providing universal access to credible and reliable
information remains crucial in a rapidly changing media environment.
Government wishes the Board, management, staff, and everyone who has contributed to its proud legacy continued success, as the SABC embarks on its next chapter of service to the nation.
Happy 90th anniversary to the SABC.
Media Enquiries:
Nomonde Mnukwa, Acting Government Spokesperson on
Cell: 083 653 7485
William Baloyi, Deputy Government Spokesperson on
Cell: 083 390 7147
Issued by Government Communications
Internationalism-Solidarity
India: workers and farmers reaffirm united action
30 July, 2026
Trade unions and farmers' organizations from across India reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening joint action at a national convention held in New
Delhi on 29 July. The convention was jointly organized by India's Central Trade Unions (CTUs) and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM). It adopted a declaration committing to closer coordination on issues affecting workers, farmers, and rural communities. Additionally,
the declaration outlined a strategy for future collective action.
Trade unions and farmers’ organizations from across India reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening joint action at a national convention held in New Delhi on 29 July. The convention was jointly organized by India’s Central Trade Unions (CTUs) and the Samyukta
Kisan Morcha (SKM). It adopted a declaration committing to closer coordination on issues affecting workers, farmers, and rural communities. Additionally, the declaration outlined a strategy for future collective action.
The convention reflected the growing cooperation between the trade union and farmers’ movements since their first joint convention in 2023. It emphasized that the challenges are increasingly interconnected.
Speakers highlighted that workers and farmers share not only common struggles but common roots and play an essential role in nation building. They emphasized that organized collective action remains the most effective way to achieve lasting change.
They also underlined the importance of addressing youth unemployment. In addition, they recognized the contribution of women workers. They stressed the need to ensure that technological advances, including AI, reduce human hardship as opposed to human rights.
Many welcomed the growing participation of young people in democratic movements and stressed the importance of building solidarity across generations to advance common demands.
The declaration adopted by the convention sets out a broad range of demands, including stronger labour protections, expanded social security, decent wages and employment creation. Furthermore, it calls on India to ratify ILO Conventions 87 and 98 on freedom
of association and collective bargaining. It also asks for ratification of Convention 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work. In addition, it supports Convention 189 on decent work for domestic workers, underscoring the continued importance of
international labour standards in advancing decent work.
Looking ahead, the organizations announced nationwide decentralized protests on 10 August to commemorate the colonial era Quit India movement. They also pledged continued solidarity with each other’s campaigns and preparations for broader joint actions should
their demands remain unaddressed.
Kemal Özkan, assistant general secretary of IndustriALL added:
“ILO’s fundamental principles recognize that sustainable economic progress depends on respect for workers’ rights. Social dialogue and collective bargaining are not obstacles to development; they are among its strongest foundations.”
Ashutosh Bhattacharya, regional secretary of IndustriALL South Asia reflected:
“This convention proves that the commitment to sustained solidarity will remain essential in advancing policies that place people at the centre of economic development.”
______________________________
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