Taking COSATU Today Forward, 21 January 2026 #Back2SchoolCampaign #Right2LearnCampaign
Norman Mampane
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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
21 January 2026
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- SAMATU calls on the government to address the alarming crisis of unemployed doctors
- South Africa
- NEHAWU condemns the decision by President Ramaphosa to approve a 3.8% salary increment for public office bearers
- Induction of the National Dialogue Steering Committee Marks a Key Milestone in South Africa’s Democratic Renewal
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- NEHAWU supports WFTU International Action Day in Solidarity with Venezuela
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
SAMATU calls on the government to address the alarming crisis of unemployed doctors
Bokang Motlhaga, SAMATU National Spokesperson, January 20, 2026
The Junior Doctors Committee of the South African Medical Association Trade Union (SAMATU) expresses its profound frustration regarding the ongoing and unacceptable situation of unemployed doctors who have completed their community service.
This
issue has persisted for years due to the glaring negligence of the Department of Health, which has over the years continuously chosen to ignore this crisis, despite the unwavering efforts of SAMATU to engage with them in hopes of finding solutions. It is nothing
short of paradoxical that the very government entrusted with upholding our constitutional rights blatantly disregards the fundamental human right to accessible, quality healthcare for the citizens of this country.
Recent data from a survey circulated by SAMATU reveal a staggering response from 1260 doctors who have completed their community service, indicating a shared sense of despair and helplessness as they find themselves sidelined and unemployed. Some of these doctors have
been left without work for over two years, yearning to contribute positively to their communities but being denied the opportunity to do so.
Shockingly,
there are approximately 1100 unfilled posts for medical doctors nationwide, a stark reminder of the Department of Health's failure to address this pressing issue.
Following a march action that SAMATU held in 2025 to the Minister of Finance, the public healthcare budget was increased by R20.8 billion to support staffing and essential services. However, the provincial departments of health to date have still not utilised
the budget for its intended purpose, instead, the employed doctors are subjected to long working hours beyond those recommended by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
The
actions of the provincial departments of health signal gross misalignment with the healthcare needs of the same communities that these departments serve. The departments' apparent inertia in filling vacancies for doctors is not only disheartening but emblematic
of a broader system failure that jeopardises the sustainability and efficacy of our healthcare system.
Unemployment amongst qualified medical professionals is not merely a statistic; it symbolises a national crisis that undermines the provision of quality healthcare, an essential pillar of the nation's economic growth and the forthcoming Universal Health Coverage.
The ramifications of a faltering healthcare system extend far beyond the walls of medical facilities. Patients endure excruciatingly long waiting periods, and some even demise due to the delays in receiving the necessary healthcare.
Furthermore, SAMATU notes with concern the Department of Health's attempted divide-and-conquer tactics, such as differentiating between bursary holders and non-bursary holders, aiming to fragment the community of doctors. This approach not only undermines solidarity
among doctors but also detracts from the core issue at hand, the urgent need for effective staffing and support in our healthcare system. Each provincial department of health operates in a fractured manner, with little coordination or cohesive strategy, resulting
in a chaotic environment where doctors and patients alike suffer the consequences.
It
is utterly preposterous that out of the nine provinces of this country, the only province that has filled all the vacant posts for doctors is Mpumalanga, yet the National Department of Health deems this normal.
It is time for the government to acknowledge its failures and take responsibility for the wellbeing of its healthcare professionals and the people they serve. The refusal to recognise and rectify the situation of unemployed doctors is a direct assault on the
healthcare system, which stands on the brink of collapse due to mismanagement and apathy from those in power. We demand action, accountability, and commitment to rectify these longstanding issues that have been ignored for far too long.
While unemployment impacts various sectors, we implore the public to express solidarity with doctors in addressing this crisis, as they are ultimately the ones who will bear the consequences of substandard healthcare services.
SAMATU calls upon the provincial departments of health to acknowledge this pressing issue and without any further delay, fill all the vacant posts for doctors.
ENDS.
Issued
by: SAMATU Junior Doctors Committee
Enquiries:
Bokang Motlhaga
Corporate Affairs Manager
069 586 8430
NEHAWU condemns the decision by President Ramaphosa to approve a 3.8% salary increment for public office bearers
Zola Saphetha, NEHAWU General Secretary, January 20, 2026
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union [NEHAWU] condemns the decision by President Ramaphosa to approve an increase in salaries for Public Office Bearers by 3.8% following recommendations by the Independent Commission for Remuneration for Public Office.
The approval to increase the salaries of Public Office Bearers occurs against the background of an economy that remains stagnant with a low growth rate for the foreseeable future. This is largely as a result of the dogmatic pursuance and implementation of neo-liberal macroeconomic policies centred on austerity measures. These policies have been reproducing the prevailing crisis-levels in the rates of unemployment, poverty and inequalities.
The implementation of austerity measures have had a devastating impact on the capacity and capability of the state to provide public services to the working class and rural poor. The public service has been severely weakened, especially with regard to its capacity because of a number of factors, which include amongst others the non-filling of vacancies as a result of the multiple years of the Treasury’s austerity measures.
We must remind the public that we refused as NEHAWU to sign the PSCBC resolution 1 of 2025 which said that public servants in the second year of the agreement must receive a mere CPI which is around 3.5% and we were told that it is because of the tight fiscal. The same people who pleaded poverty to workers are granting themselves a 3.8% to the millions they earn every year.
As NEHAWU, we find completely unprincipled for President Ramaphosa to approve the increment amidst the challenges confronting the country, which by the way are as a result of the dismal failure of Public Office Bearers to govern this country.
The current crisis of unemployment, poverty and inequality has brought about miseries, pains and suffocation to workers and the working class in its entirety thereby threatening their livelihoods. The overall unemployment rate remains elevated at a crisis proportion of about 12 million people or 43% of the workforce, more than two-thirds of whom are the country’s young people.
The conditions of life for workers and the working class continues to get worse, and this is evident with the rising costs of basic necessities, high interest rates, job cuts and wage cuts.
Public Office Bearers should not be exempted from the conditions and plight that confronts the rest of the country.
END
Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat.
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Induction of the National Dialogue Steering Committee Marks a Key Milestone in South Africa’s Democratic Renewal
20 January 2026
The induction of the newly appointed National Dialogue Steering Committee, held at the University of South Africa (UNISA) from 17 to 18 January 2026, marked a key milestone in the establishment of South Africa’s National Dialogue, a citizen-led process aimed at uniting South Africans to confront the country’s most pressing social, economic and political challenges and to shape a shared national future.
Addressing the induction in his capacity as Head of State and Convener of the National Dialogue, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed the National Dialogue as an inclusive, credible and outcome-driven national initiative, and emphasised the Steering Committee’s central role in guiding the process towards practical solutions that reflect the will and aspirations of the people.
The induction was officially opened by the Head of the Secretariat of the National Dialogue, based at NEDLAC, Mr Makhukhu Mampuru, who delivered the opening address. Mr Mampuru emphasised the historic responsibility entrusted to the Steering Committee, describing the National Dialogue as a vital mechanism for rebuilding social cohesion, restoring public trust, and strengthening democratic participation.
In his greetings to the National Dialogue Steering Committee, the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the National Dialogue, reaffirmed government’s full commitment to support and enable the work of the Committee to the greatest extent possible.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, the Co-Chair of the Eminent Persons Group, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, delivered a message of support. He commended the work undertaken thus far and urged the newly inducted Steering Committee to uphold the values of inclusivity, integrity, and service to the nation.
The programme further included the presentation of the Handover Report of the former Convention Organising Committee by Mr Boichoko Ditlhake. The report outlined progress achieved to date and provided critical institutional memory to ensure continuity in the National Dialogue process.
The National Dialogue Roadmap, encompassing the Vision, Purpose, Process, and intended Outcomes, was presented by Ms Mandisa Khanyile, Ms Jonelle Naude, and Ms Nonkululeko Mntambo.
The Roadmap sets out a clear framework to guide the national engagement process and ensure that it remains structured, inclusive, and results-oriented. The induction was further enriched by the facilitation of three distinguished leaders of South Africa’s constitutional oversight bodies: Professor Somadoda Fikeni, Chairperson of the Public Service Commission; Advocate Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale, Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality; and Reverend Chris Nissen, Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission.
During the induction, an Interim Task Team consisting of 20 members was elected to steer immediate priorities. It was acknowledged that the Steering Committee faces a limited timeframe to address outstanding matters arising from the induction and to ensure momentum is maintained as the process moves forward.
The Interim Task Team members are as follows:
1. Dr Valentia Andrews (F) (National NGOs/NPO Network)
2. HRH Queen Rebecca Como (F) (Khoisan Leaders)
3. Boichoko Ditlhake (M) (Former COC)
4. Steven Thapelo Khunou (M) (Faith Based Organisations)
5. Tebogo Legodi (M) (LGBTQIA+)
6. Lawrence Elijah (M) Lekgowane (Transport Sector)
7. Mxolisi Mahlangu (M) (Persons with Disability)
8. Palesa Rosemary Mboweni (F) (Women Organisations)
9. Mabalane Mfundisi (M) (Health)
10. Keitumetse Fatimata Moutloatse (F) (GBVF)
11. Romeo Qetsimani (M) (Arts & Culture)
12. Lebogang Ramafoko (F) (Media, Linguistics & Communication)
13. Fatima Shabodien (F) (Restorative Justice, Peace & Safety)
14. Dr Tolika Sibiya (M) (Youth)
15. Qhamisa Tengile (F) (Small Business)
16. Riaan Van Der Bergh (M) (Education)
17. Tanya Van Meelis (F) (Labour)
18. Monica Woodhouse (F) (Children)
19. Xolani Xala (M) (Immigration)
20. Zwakele Zondo (F) (Land Rights)
“The establishment of the National Dialogue Steering Committee represents a decisive step in advancing a national conversation rooted in unity, accountability, and collective problem-solving” – Makhukhu Mampuru. The Committee is expected to play a pivotal role in mobilising citizens, coordinating stakeholders, and guiding South Africa towards a more cohesive and prosperous future.
Issued by: The National Dialogue Secretariat Based at NEDLAC
For more information: Louis Seeco +27 82 652 8999 or lo...@pixykorner.co.za Ends
International-Solidarity
NEHAWU supports WFTU International Action Day in Solidarity with Venezuela
Lwazi Nkolonzi, NEHAWU National Spokesperson, January 20, 2026
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union [NEHAWU] supports the World Federation of Trade Unions [WFTU] International Action Day in Solidarity with Venezuela.
The WFTU International Action Day is convened following the United States’ illegal invasion of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro and the First Lady Cilia Flores.
As NEHAWU, we join our militant, class-orientated international federation of trade unions, the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) in rejecting all attempts to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty, seize control of its oil industry, and impose foreign rule under the false pretences of democracy promotion and combating narco-terrorism.
The union stands in resolute solidarity with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, its elected government, and its legitimate President, Nicolás Maduro. We affirm the right of the Venezuelan people to determine their own political, economic, and social future free from sanctions, armed attacks, and foreign interference.
Hence, we fully support the WFTU International Action Day in Solidarity with Venezuela under the slogans “US Imperialism Hands off Venezuela” “Release President Maduro and Cilia Flores.”
Lastly, we reiterate our unwavering solidarity support for the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in its struggle for national sovereignty and self-determination.
US Imperialism Hands off Venezuela
Release President Maduro and Cilia Flores
END
Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat.
______________________________
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