Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin, 25 August 2025 #CosatuCC2025
Norman Mampane
|
COSATU TODAY #Cosatu scheduled to convene its ordinary 8th Central Committee next month, September in Johannesburg #CosatuCC2025 #WorkerControl #SACTU70 #ClassStruggle “Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism” #Back2Basics #JoinCOSATUNow #ClassConsciousness |
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
25 August 2025
“Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism”
Organize at every workplace and demand respect for labour rights Now!
Defend Jobs Now!
Join COSATU NOW!
Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- DENOSA has a vacancy of Coordinator International Relations at the Head Office in Pretoria
- DENOSA has a vacancy of a Manager Communications
- #NEDLAC scheduled to convene its 5th Annual Summit on the 5th of September 2025 under the Theme: "Advancing Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability in the Economy and the Labour Market
- Media Alert: National Minimum Wage (NMW) Commission invites written representations for consideration to 2026 wage adjustment.
- South Africa
- COSATU condemns the City of Cape Town’s heartless cutting of Dial-A-Ride Service for the blind and people with other disabilities
- Sport, Arts and Culture on passing of Nandi Nyembe
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- Russian strikes continue to cripple Ukraine’s mines and communities
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
DENOSA has a vacancy of Coordinator International Relations at the Head Office in Pretoria
Re-Advertisement
Date of Issue: 11 August 2025
Closing Date: 5th September 2025
Position Status:
Permanent Reporting Line:
Remuneration and Benefits: The successful applicant’s remuneration will be aligned with DENOSA's remuneration and benefits structure. Annual total cost to company is R646 937.86, including benefits
Job Purpose:
The Coordinator International Relations is responsible for fostering and maintaining strategic partnerships with international stakeholders, institutions and organisations. This role plays a key part in enhancing the institution's global profile through effective communication, diplomatic engagement and collaborative initiatives. Develops and sustains marketing strategies aligned with DENOSA's objectives by building relationships with relevant bodies, such as other trade unions and COSATU. The coordinator supports international projects, manages cross-border communications and ensures that all external engagements are consistent with the organisation's strategic goals and cultural values in collaboration with internal departments. The role contributes to marketing campaigns, organizational international events and the development of global outreach strategies.
Inherent Job Requirements
- Matric/Grade 12 plus a bachelor’s degree in international relations are required
- 3 years relevant experience in international relations within the labour movement will be considered an added advantage
- A valid light-duty driver's license
- A strong background in working within multinational environment, non-profit/NGO sectors or government departments
- Proven experience in engaging with labour unions and international organisations
Responsibilities
1. International Stakeholder Engagement
- Establish and sustain partnerships with foreign institutions, embassies, international organisations and global allies
- Manage international collaborations, exchange programmes, MOUs and joint ventures
- Ensure diplomatic protocol and cultural appropriateness in all international interactions
2. Strategic Marketing and Communication
- Develop and implement marketing strategies to improve global and local visibility of DENOSA
- Create and manage marketing campaigns across digital, print and media platforms
- Ensure all marketing content aligns with the organisation's international and local brand and communication standards
3. International Event Coordination
- Develop and implement marketing strategies to improve global and local visibility of DENOSA
- Create and manage marketing campaigns across digital, print and media platforms
- Ensure all marketing content aligns with the organisation's international and local brand and communication standards
4. Public Relations and Media Liaison
- Serve as a liaison for international media inquiries and public relations opportunities
- Draft and distribute press releases, newsletters, speeches and promotional materials
- Monitor international media coverage and manage reputation on global platforms
5. Research and Intelligence Gathering
- Monitor international trends, policies, funding opportunities and geopolitical developments relevant to the organisation
- Provide strategic briefings and background reports to guide leadership decisions Benchmark against similar global organisations and recommend best practices
6. Brand Management and Digital Outreach
- Ensure brand consistency across all international marketing and communication channels
- Manage social media and website content geared towards international audiences
- Track analysis and adjust digital strategies to optimise reach and engagement
7. Reporting and Compliance
- Prepare regular reports on international activities and outcomes
- Ensure compliance with international communication standards, data privacy laws and partnership agreements
- Maintain up-to-date documentation for audits, funders or international reviews
8. Budget Management and Resource Coordination
- Assist in budgeting and allocation for international marketing projects and travel
- Source and coordinate vendors, designers, translators and event service providers
- Ensure value for money and effective use of allocated resources
- Identify and apply for funding opportunities, grants and sponsorships to support international and local programs
Written Applications to:
The General Secretary
DENOSA Head Office
P.O.Box 1280
Pretoria
0001
All interested applicants who meet the minimum requirements may submit a concise CV, certified qualifications and Driver's licence [All copies must be scanned; pictures will not be accepted) and application letter with the subject line of your application stating the name of the position which you are applying for.
DENOSA is committed to the principles of Employment Equity and to fostering a inclusive, diverse and representative workforce. Preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan and relevant legislation.
Communication will be restricted to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not been contacted within two (2) months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
The organisation reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Enquiries may be directed to the Human Resource Manager at: 012 343 2315 Applications to be directed to jo...@denosa.org.za
______________
DENOSA has a vacancy of a Manager Communications
Re-Advertisement
Date of Issue: 11th August 2025
Closing date: 5th September 2025
Position Status: 5-year renewable fixed term contract based on performance Remuneration and Benefits: The successful applicant's remuneration will align with DENOSA's remuneration and benefits structure. The annual total cost to company is R712, 356.20, including benefits.
Job Purpose: The communications Manager will position DENOSA as a leading progressive organisation within South Africa's health sector and the global nursing community. This involves fostering robust international relationships, driving strategic communications and aligning messaging with the organisation's mission. The role includes leading the Communications Department, producing content for both external and internal communications, managing media relations and supporting programme initiatives.
Inherent Job Requirements:
- Matric/Grade 12, plus a Bachelor's degree (NQF 7) in Media Studies/Journalism/Public Relations/Communications
- 5 years' relevant experience of which 3 years must be at a management level as a prerequisite
- Light-duty driver's license
- Strong writing, editing and strategic communication skills Proven ability to manage media relations and digital communication channels
- Demonstrate experience working in a unionised or non-profit environment is advantageous
Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Communication and Project Management
- Manage communications staff, consultants and all related work to ensure materials have consistent messaging and branding.
- Work closely with the Secretariat and marketing teams, including developing communication strategies and messaging for DENOSA events.
- Collaborate with Provincial Secretaries, management and staff to develop and implement strategic communication plans and compelling messages.
- Facilitate monthly programme communication meetings to review current and upcoming communication needs and priorities.
- Create content to support digital marketing and outreach, including website updates, email marketing, internal communication, social media and outreach.
2. Pres/Media Relations
- Seek proactive opportunities to communicate DENOSA's work at local, provincial and national levels, including developing and managing media relationships.
- Write and edit press releases and Op-Eds.
- Develop, edit and publish a DENOSA Nursing Update.
- Act as the primary contact for the media, manage relationships and direct enquiries to the relevant staff.
3. Digital Marketing and Content Creation
- Oversee the development and management of DENOSA's digital communication channels, including websites and social media platforms
- Meet with staff to prepare for interviews, statements, press conferences and other relevant speaking engagements as needed
- Work closely with all DENOSA stakeholders, including creating communication materials related to advocacy, media press strategy and releases
- Write and edit newsletter messages, blog posts, articles, direct emails, social media content and other materials as required
- Manage all external communication deliverables, including newsletters, emails and web content and ensure the quality of all communication materials.
- Plan the editorial calendar, strategise and diversify content based on key priorities, emerging developments, ongoing initiatives and organisational goals.
- Provide writing and speaking guidance and training for staff as needed.
4. People Management
- Lead and mentor the communication team to foster a high-performing and collaborative work environment
- Facilitate professional development opportunities and ensure alignment with organisational goals
- Conduct performance reviews and address any HR-related matters within the department
5. Financial Management
- Manage the communication budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources
- Oversee procurement processes related to communication projects and activities
- Prepare budget reports and ensure alignment with financial policies and procedures
Written Applications to:
The General Secretary
DENOSA Head Office
P.O.Box 1280
Pretoria
0001
All interested applicants who meet the minimum requirements may submit a concise CV, certified qualifications and Driver's licence [All copies must be scanned; pictures will not be accepted) and application letter with the subject line of your application stating the name of the position which you are applying for.
DENOSA is committed to the principles of Employment Equity and to fostering a inclusive, diverse and representative workforce. Preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan and relevant legislation.
Communication will be restricted to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not been contacted within two (2) months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
The organisation reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Enquiries may be directed to the Human Resource Manager at: 012 343 2315 Applications to be directed to jo...@denosa.org.za
____________________
#NEDLAC scheduled to convene its 5th Annual Summit on the 5th of September 2025 under the Theme: "Advancing Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability in the Economy and the Labour Market #SocialDialogue #ClassStruggle
_____________________
Media Alert: National Minimum Wage (NMW) Commission invites written representations for consideration to 2026 wage adjustment.
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) Commission is inviting all interested parties or stakeholders to make written submission for possible adjustments to the NMW for 2026.
The NMW Commission said it will publish its annual report and recommendations concerning possible adjustment to the National Minimum Wage to the Minister of Employment and Labour later in 2025, in accordance with Section 6(2) of the NMW Act, No. 9 of 2018.
NMW Chairperson Imraan Valodia encourages interested parties to have their say in the possible adjustment.
The National Minimum Wage is the lowest remuneration rate that employers are obligated and legally permitted to pay their employees for each ordinary hour worked. It is illegal for employers to pay their employees less than the minimum threshold. The NMW was first introduced for implementation in South Africa in 2019.
The minimum wage is currently fixed at R28,79 for each ordinary hour worked. The current rate was announced in February 2025 by Minister of the Department of Employment and Labour, Ms. Nomakhosazana Meth.
The Commission is responsible for annually reviewing and recommending adjustments to the national minimum wage. It also investigates and reports annually to the Minister on the impact of the national minimum wage on the economy, collective bargaining, and income differentials, making this information available to the public.
Representations should reach the directorate: Employment Standards, Department of Employment and Labour, Private Bag X117, Pretoria, 0001 or be sent to nmwr...@labour.gov.za by 18 September 2025.
In addition to making representations on NMW the Commission is appealing to interested parties to complete a survey questionnaire on the link: https://forms.office.com/r/jXFtcZag90?origin=1prLink and the link can also be accessed on the Department of Employment and Labour’s website and social media pages.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Teboho Thejane
Departmental Spokesperson
082 697 0694/ teboho....@labour.gov.za
COSATU condemns the City of Cape Town’s heartless cutting of Dial-A-Ride Service for the blind and people with other disabilities
Malvern De Bruyn, COSATU Western Cape Provincial Secretary, 25 August 2025
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Western Cape expresses its profound outrage and disappointment at the decision by the Democratic Alliance-led City of Cape Town to discontinue the vital Dial-a-Ride service for residents who are blind, visually impaired and people with other disabilities as from the 08 September 2025. This cruel and shortsighted decision effectively sentences some of our most vulnerable citizens to isolation and imprisonment in their own homes.
The Dial-a-Ride service is not a luxury; it is an essential lifeline. It enables blind, partially sighted individuals and others to travel to work, to medical appointments, to Educational Institutions, and to participate in social and economic life with a measure of dignity and independence. By severing this lifeline, the City of Cape Town is not only undermining their right to mobility but also their constitutional rights to dignity, equality, and freedom of movement.
This decision exposes a deep hypocrisy in the City's claims of being a "caring city" and highlights a shocking disregard for the principles of social justice and inclusion. It is an attack on the most vulnerable and a blatant violation of the spirit and letter of our Constitution and International Conventions on the rights of people with disabilities.
We are deeply concerned by the City's justification that their decision is due to budget cuts. This is a classic case of blaming the victim. Rather than investing in awareness and improving the service to make it more accessible and efficient, the City has chosen the cheapest and most callous option: to simply abandon its duty of care. This is the logic of austerity, where the needs of the marginalized are the first on the chopping block to balance spreadsheets.
COSATU demands that the City of Cape Town:
1. Immediately reverse this inhumane decision and reinstate the Dial-a-Ride service without delay to all disabled persons.
2. Engage meaningfully with Organizations representing the blind and visually impaired, such as the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB) and Blind SA and other Organizations to find solutions that improve and expand the service, not terminate it.
3. Publicly commit to a policy of universal access and inclusion, ensuring that budget allocations protect services for people with disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.
We call upon our allies in the community, faith-based Organizations, and Civil Society to join us in condemning this decision. We further call on all residents of Cape Town to see this for what it is: an affront to our collective conscience and a betrayal of the vulnerable.
A society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members. By this measure, the City of Cape Town is failing miserably. We will not stand by while our comrades, family members, and fellow citizens are stripped of their independence and confined to their homes.
This fight is not over.
Issued by COSATU Western Cape
____________________
Sport, Arts and Culture on passing of Nandi Nyembe
23 Aug 2025
Joint statement by the Nyembe family and the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture on the passing of Nandi Nyembe
It is with profound sorrow that the Nyembe Family, together with the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, announce the passing of one of South Africa’s most treasured icons of the arts, Mam’ Nandi Nyembe.
Mam’ Nandi was far more than an actress; she was the very soul of South African storytelling. A teacher, a guide, and a mother to this nation, she carried our struggles, our laughter, and our victories through every performance with truth, dignity, and heart. Through her life and work, she gave our people pride and our stories, a purpose.
Her journey broke barriers. She inspired young actors in villages and townships to dream beyond their circumstances, showing them that greatness isn’t defined by where you come from, but by how deeply you’re willing to give of yourself. Mam’ Nandi gave us everything. She was the voice that said: “You too can rise.”
As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her extraordinary legacy. Her art is eternal, her voice may now be silent, but her spirit echoes in every heart she touched. She lives on in the laughter she brought us, the tears she moved in us, and the dreams she ignited in generations to come.
The
Nyembe family added: “Our hearts are broken as we share the loss of our beloved mother and grandmother, Nandi Nyembe. To the world, she was a gifted actress; to us, she was our everything. Her love, laughter, and strength will stay with us always. We are so
grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support during this time,” stated Jabulani Nyembe, the grandson.
To the people of South Africa: thank you for embracing Mam’ Nandi as your own.
To
the Nyembe Family, the Department expresses deepest condolences and gratitude. Minister McKenzie added: “You shared a legend with us. Her loss is not yours alone but a loss we all feel. South Africa bows its head in sorrow but also lifts its eyes in honour
of the life she lived so powerfully.”
South Africa will never forget Mam’ Nandi Nyembe, a woman who carried, lifted, and shaped the soul of the nation through her art.
May she rest in eternal peace!
For
media enquiries:
Ms Stacey-Lee Khojane, Spokesperson: Office of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Cell: +27 77 608 7579
Ms
Zimasa Velaphi, Head of Communication and Marketing: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
Cell: +27 72 172 8925
Mr
Jabulani Nyembe, (Mama Nandi Nyembe’s grandson)
Cell: +27 71 216 6092 / +27 78 308 1003
Issued by Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
International-Solidarity
Russian strikes continue to cripple Ukraine’s mines and communities
22 August, 2025
IndustriALL Ukrainian affiliates report a dramatic escalation of attacks on workers and workplaces in recent months. In the first seven months of 2025, because of Russian aggression, 676 workers were injured in their workplaces and 146 workers were killed due to missile and artillery shelling of enterprise territories, airstrikes and FPV drone attacks by the armed forces of the Russian Federation on industrial sites, production facilities and transport vehicles.
Russian attacks continue to devastate Ukraine’s mining towns, leaving mineworkers and their families in extreme danger. Constant shelling and drone strikes block evacuations in Rodynske, Bilytske, Bilozerske, Dobropillya and surrounding villages in the Donetsk region.
On 8 August, shelling provoked flooding of the Dobropilska mine, endangering miners and contaminating the region. Attacks also cut power to the Almazna mine. These mines sustain local economies and their destruction threatens thousands of jobs, livelihoods and environmental safety.
From 13 August and onwards, Russian attacks have resulted in power cuts at three major mines in the region. The bombardments have also prevented workers from relocating critical equipment from enterprises—equipment that preserves jobs, guarantees the right to work, maintains electricity supply and keeps Ukraine’s economy running.
Russian missiles and drones also devastate civilian infrastructure, with the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine expressing grave concern over the mounting civilian toll.
Mykhailo Volynets, chairperson of the Independent Trade Union of Miners of Ukraine (NPGU) said:
“Every day, Ukraine’s energy sector and coal mining enterprises have been and remain one of the priority targets of Russian forces. Missile and drone attacks constantly cut off power to mines – putting workers in deadly danger. Every effort is being made to guarantee a stable heating season for 2025–2026, to safeguard the country’s energy security, to keep light in homes and electricity in hospitals and to provide for families. Ukrainian miners truly deserve comprehensive protection and support. Members of the NPGU continue to resist by working at their workplaces, volunteering and defending lives and peace on the frontline. We call on all our brothers and sisters, our sister organizations to continue helping us.”
Dmytro Zelenyi, head of the Dobropillia Local Organization of the Independent Trade Union of Miners of Ukraine said:
“I want to emphasize that miners are courageous people as they work deep underground under constant attacks and they are also Defenders of Ukraine at the frontlines. Among our members are refugees from Myrnohrad, Pokrovsk and other mining towns. As a trade union, we are doing everything possible within our means to preserve jobs, support miners and evacuate our members, miners and their families. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing Russian aggression, our resources are decreased. We will be grateful for any assistance to our miners and their families.”
Yaroslava Bytiutska, head of the NPGU Primary Organization at the Tenth Mine Rescue Unit said:
“Just a year ago, I was at home in Myrnohrad (Donetsk region), where my family lived and my grandson went to school. We continued to work there despite Russian shelling, but then we had to evacuate to the city of Dobropillia and now we had to leave there as well. On April 30, the relocation site of our unit in Dobropillia was destroyed. One of our colleagues, Roman, suffered severe injuries and burns. For more than 20 years, Roman saved others and now he himself is in urgent need of treatment and rehabilitation. Today, mine rescuers have become targets for Russian forces. Our colleague, commander of the operational rescue squad Anton Zemlianyi, was killed while saving lives and volunteering to help residents of the Pokrovsk community last June.”
IndustriALL and Ukranian affiliates are demanding urgent intervention.
“We call on the ILO and the international community to act now to protect Ukrainian workers and deliver humanitarian assistance to displaced mineworkers and their families,”
says IndustriALL general secretary, Atle Høie.
On the eve of Ukraine’s mineworkers’ day, 31 August, IndustriALL stands firmly in solidarity with Ukraine’s mineworkers and their families.
“We demand an immediate end to Russia’s war of aggression and occupation,” expressed Atle Høie.
______________________________
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