Taking COSATU Today Forward, 29 May 2025
Norman Mampane
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COSATU TODAY President #ElijahBarayi celebrated as a dependable anti-apartheid activist, a shrew trade union organizer and a liberation stalwart to the End at 2nd Annual #ElijahBarayi Memorial Lecture at UJ #DecentWork #DecentLives #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 May 2025
“Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism”
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- NUM and EBMTC to mark a decade of empowerment at 10th Annual Graduation Ceremony
- SAMWU Joe Moloisane Region (eThekwini) to Provide Update on Ongoing Strike and Key Municipal Worker Issues
- South Africa
- POPCRU’s founding President Gregory Rockman awarded a citation of honour by the South African Human Rights Commission
- Employment and Labour on labour law enforcement and advocacy for Inclusive Economic Growth
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- WFTU Program of Activities in the 113th ILC, Geneva 02-13 June 2025
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
NUM and EBMTC to mark a decade of empowerment at 10th Annual Graduation Ceremony
Livhuwani Mammburu, NUM National Spokesperson, 29 May 2025
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and its esteemed training institution, the Elijah Barayi Memorial Training Centre (EBMTC), are proud to announce their 10th Annual Graduation Ceremony that will take place today, celebrating significant educational achievements among NUM members.
This year's event will honour approximately 120 NUM shop stewards and leaders who have successfully completed rigorous, SAQA-accredited programs.
These qualifications span vital areas, including advanced trade union studies, comprehensive labour law, and critical artisanal skills.
Under the inspiring theme, “Empowering Minds, Shaping the Future of the Working Class,” this ceremony highlights the ongoing dedication of NUM and EBMTC to enhance the skills and knowledge of their members.
The EBMTC, an ETDP SETA-accredited institution, has been a cornerstone of worker development for 32 years, having empowered over 25,000 shop stewards across the mining, energy, construction, and metal sectors since its inception.
The Graduation Ceremony Details:
• Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Venue: Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre, Boksburg
Members of the media are cordially invited to cover this significant event.
For more detailed information, please contact:
Livhuwani Mammburu, NUM National Spokesperson, 083 809 3257
Luphert Chilwane, NUM Media Officer, 083 809 3255
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SAMWU Joe Moloisane Region (eThekwini) to Provide Update on Ongoing Strike and Key Municipal Worker Issues
Xolani Dube, SAMWU Regional Secretary, SAMWU Joe Moloisane Region, 29 May 2025
Durban, South Africa – May 29, 2025 – The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) Joe Moloisane Region (eThekwini) will hold a crucial Regional Shop Stewards Council (RSSC) on Friday, 30 May 2025. This constitutional union meeting aims to elect new leadership, assess the Union’s current status, and review recent developments impacting municipal workers and service delivery in the eThekwini Municipality.
SAMWU Joe Moloisane Region invites media representatives to a press briefing where union leaders will share outcomes from the RSSC and discuss pressing issues affecting municipal employees and local government service delivery.
Press Briefing Details:
Date: Friday, 30 May 2025
Time: 14:00
Venue: Umkhumbane Community Hall, 60 Bramcote Road, Umkhumbane, Durban, 4138
Key Issues to be Discussed at the Press Conference
Ongoing Challenges with Pay Disparities: Addressing recent council resolutions affecting municipal workers' pay.
Impact of Privatisation and Outsourcing: Examining threats to job security and service quality due to outsourcing practices.
Labour Relations and Collective Bargaining: Updates on negotiations and labour developments within the local government sector.
Union Demands: Calls for improved working conditions, fair wages, and the insourcing of outsourced municipal workers.
Municipal Governance and Financial Management: SAMWU’s response to recent concerns affecting municipal administration and service delivery.
SAMWU eThekwini leadership will be available for interviews and to provide detailed insights into the union’s strategies, upcoming actions, and engagement plans with municipal authorities.
Ends
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POPCRU’s founding President Gregory Rockman awarded a Citation of Honour by the South African Human Rights Commission
Richard Mamabolo, POPCRU National Spokesperson, 28 May 2025
Today marks a momentous occasion in the history of POPCRU. The South African Human Rights Commission has awarded a Citation of Honour to the POPCRU and our founding President, Gregory Rockman.
This is more than a ceremonial accolade; it is a recognition of courage, sacrifice, and commitment to human rights and justice.
Formed in 1989 during the height of apartheid oppression,
POPCRU was born out of defiance. Under the principled leadership of Gregory Rockman, brave police and correctional officers risked their lives by rejecting a system that used law enforcement as a tool of racial oppression. Instead, they reclaimed their roles to serve democracy, dignity, and equality.
Today, POPCRU continues that legacy, championing workers’ rights, challenging gender-based violence, advocating for community-centred policing, and fighting for ethical transformation within the justice cluster.
This Citation from the South African Human Rights Commission affirms POPCRU’s rightful place not only as a trade union but as a human rights defender in democratic South Africa.
We salute Gregory Rockman.
We honour our founding generation.
And we remain resolute in our mission.
Aluta continua!
#POPCRU #HumanRights ##Justice
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Employment and Labour on labour law enforcement and advocacy for Inclusive Economic Growth
28 May 2025
The Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) today, 28 May 2025, presented a strategic update to the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour, outlining its intensified efforts in monitoring, advocacy, inspection, and enforcement of labour laws. The briefing emphasised the department’s commitment to promoting decent work, protecting vulnerable workers, and ensuring a stable labour market.
The Deputy Minister, Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabala, at the start of the meeting stressed the growing complexity of the labour market, shaped by globalisation, digitalisation, and precarious work arrangements. The Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) is responding by embracing technology, enhancing enforcement, and addressing the needs of vulnerable groups such as migrant and gig economy workers, said Nemadzinga-Tshabala.
Acting
Director-General (ADG), Ms. Molisane, stated that IES remains central to achieving the Department’s vision of Decent Work, aligned with the International Labour Organization’s framework. ADG Molisane indicated that the IES is evolving to meet the demands of
a rapidly changing labour market, shaped by globalisation, technological advancement, and shifting employment patterns.
The department also acknowledged the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, including law enforcement agencies, organised labour, and other government departments, in achieving its goals.
Inspector-General Ms. Aggy Moiloa highlighted significant achievements, including over 308,000 inspections in the past year and a record 89% prosecution referral rate for non-compliant employers. The IES model continues to evolve, addressing emerging challenges such as climate change, non-standard employment, and digital transformation.
The Department reaffirmed its commitment to promoting decent work, inclusive economic growth, and labour market stability. The presentation outlined its strategic achievements and ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with labour legislation across South Africa.
The IES branch operates under a robust legislative framework that includes the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Employment Equity Act, and the National Minimum Wage Act, among others. These laws form the foundation of DEL’s mission to protect workers’ rights and promote fair, safe, and dignified working conditions.
A key focus of the presentation was the department’s advocacy efforts. Over the past three years, IES has significantly expanded its outreach initiatives. In the 2024/25 financial year alone, the department exceeded its target by hosting nine sector-specific seminars in domestic work, agriculture, and commercial fishing. Additional events included an Employment Standards Conference, a hospitality industry breakfast session, the Annual Labour Law Indaba, and the Employment Equity Dinner & Awards. These engagements have played a vital role in raising awareness and fostering a culture of compliance among employers and stakeholders.
Inspection
activities have also intensified, with over 308,000 inspections conducted in the 2023/24 financial year, well above the planned target. These inspections are designed to ensure that employers adhere to employment laws, thereby supporting the broader goal of
decent work and economic recovery. The inspections covered a wide range of sectors and were tailored to address emerging challenges such as remote work, non-standard employment, and climate-related workplace risks.
Monitoring and evaluation are conducted through DEL’s internal governance structures, oversight bodies, and inter-ministerial coordination groups. The implementation plan is designed as a living document, allowing for regular updates based on progress and changing
labour market dynamics.
Enforcement remains a cornerstone of IES operations. In 2023/24, 99% of non-compliant employers were served with notices within 14 days of inspection. Of those who failed to comply, 89% were referred for prosecution. This high rate of follow-through underscores the department’s zero-tolerance approach to labour law violations and its commitment to holding employers accountable.
Occupational
health and safety (OHS) was another major theme of the presentation. The IES reported a total of 107,808 OHS inspections in 2024/25, with an average compliance rate of 60%. The department continues to align its practices with international standards, including
ILO Conventions 155 and 187, which recognise a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental right.
The IES Service Delivery Model integrates proactive and reactive inspections, capacity building through training and mentoring, and stakeholder engagement with employers, employees, the judiciary, academic institutions, and professional bodies. This holistic
approach ensures that all facets of the labour market are addressed, with special attention given to vulnerable workers and high-risk sectors such as SMEs and the informal economy.
The IES is not only about enforcement but also about promoting a culture of decent work. The Department states, “Together, let us strive for a world-class labour inspectorate that fosters equitable, dignified, safe, and healthy workplaces for all.” Despite challenges such as limited resources and complex compliance environments, the department remains steadfast in its mission to drive sustainable change and support both employers and workers in building a resilient and inclusive economy.
Deputy Minister Sibiya, responding to comments and questions, emphasised the importance of prioritising labour matters within the justice system. “We urge the prosecuting authority to treat labour-related issues with the seriousness they deserve,” said Deputy Minister Sibiya. The Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) is actively adapting to emerging industry trends. Our inspectors are being re-inducted and retrained to remain responsive to these evolving dynamics. As a department, we recognise the rapid pace of change in the world, and we are committed to evolving accordingly.”
DM Sibiya further highlighted the need for increased support: “There must be a firm commitment to allocating a larger budget to the IES and appointing additional inspectors. This will enable us to achieve more impactful inspection outcomes,” he stated. “Our inspectors often operate in challenging and hazardous environments, facing threats, and in some cases, even being confronted by aggressive animals when visiting certain farms.” Said Deputy Minister Sibiya.
Enquiries:
Teboho Thejane
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 697 0694
E-mail: teboho....@labour.gov.za
Issued by Department of Employment and Labour
International-Solidarity
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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