Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin, 14 May 2025
Norman Mampane
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COSATU TODAY #DecentWork #DecentLives #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
14 May 2025
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- Free State Premier to Address NUM Strategic Planning Review on Mining Matters
- South Africa
- Media Statement: SAMATU condemns the inhumane treatment of junior doctors
- POPCRU response to Ian Cameron’s allegations following the acquittal of 8 Presidential Protection Unit Members
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- Take back democracy: Unions must unite against the billionaire coup
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
Free
State Premier to Address NUM Strategic Planning Review on Mining Matters
Livhuwani Mammburuu, NUM National Spokesperson, 14 May 2025
WELKOM, FREE STATE – The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Free State Region will convene its crucial Strategic Planning Review this coming Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Kingdom Academy in Welkom. A significant highlight of this important gathering will be an address by the Premier of the Free State Province, Honourable MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae is scheduled to address the NUM Free State leadership and key stakeholders on pressing mining-related matters within the province. Her address is anticipated to cover critical issues such as the state of the mining industry in the Free State, challenges and opportunities facing mineworkers, the role of mining in the provincial economy, and potential future collaborations between the government and the union.
This intensive Strategic Planning Review will commence on Friday, May 16, 2025, and conclude on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Over the two days, NUM Free State regional leadership will engage in in-depth discussions, assessments, and strategic planning sessions to chart the way forward for the union and its members in the region's vital mining sector. Key focus areas are expected to include:
Review of current challenges: Analyzing the existing obstacles impacting mineworkers, such as safety concerns, job security, wage negotiations, and working conditions.
Strategic goal setting: Defining clear and actionable objectives for the NUM Free State region in the short, medium, and long term.
Member engagement and growth: Developing strategies to enhance member participation, recruitment, and communication within the union.
Stakeholder relations: Strengthening relationships with mining companies, government entities, and other relevant stakeholders to advance the interests of NUM members.
Policy advocacy: Identifying key policy areas requiring attention and developing advocacy strategies to influence legislative and regulatory frameworks related to mining.
Skills development and training: Exploring opportunities to enhance the skills and employability of mineworkers in a changing industry landscape.
The NUM Free State Region plays a pivotal role in representing the interests of thousands of mineworkers in a province with a rich mining history. This Strategic Planning Review, with the significant participation of Premier Letsoha-Mathae, underscores the importance of collaboration and strategic thinking in navigating the complexities of the mining sector and ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for its workforce.
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Media Statement: SAMATU condemns the inhumane treatment of junior doctors
Bokang
Motlhaga, SAMATU Media & Marketing Officer, 14 May 2025
The
South African Medical Association Trade Union (SAMATU) in KwaZulu-Natal is saddened by the passing of a medical intern at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital who was forced to report for duty by his superiors despite his ill-health. This devastating incident
highlights the urgent need to address the unacceptable working conditions and treatment that most junior doctors, especially interns, are subjected to by their supervisors.
On many occasions, there has been incidents reported by junior doctors in which their supervisors treat them in an inhumane way, taking advantage of the fact that they are new in the profession and that they may not sign them off at the end of their rotations.
It is saddening that in these times where doctors are subjected to a myriad of challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, attacks salaries, and no surety of employment amongst others, we as doctors still ill-treat each other instead of standing in solidarity
against all these challenges.
Junior doctors are the backbone of the healthcare system, providing essential care despite often being subjected to excessive working hours, inadequate supervision, and undue pressure. The tragic loss of a promising young doctor due to neglect and inhumane
treatment underscores the need for those that supervise junior doctors to realise that not attending to the welfare and well-being of these vital healthcare professionals will only discourage them from staying in this profession and bringing the necessary
change to this noble profession.
The death of this young doctor must be a wake-up call to all medical practitioners. We can no longer ignore the severe strain and inhumane treatment faced by those who are dedicating their lives to saving others. It is our collective responsibility to ensure
that our healthcare system is not only effective for our communities but also considerate of those who deliver it.
SAMATU calls on the management at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital to investigate this matter and address it accordingly.
SAMATU is committed to advocating for the welfare and well-being of all doctors, regardless of their category of employment. We urge all stakeholders to join us in creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for the heroes on the frontlines of our
healthcare system.
ENDS.
Issued by:
SAMATU KZN Provincial Task Team
Enquiries:
Bokang Motlhaga
Media & Marketing Officer
069 586 8430
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POPCRU response to Ian Cameron’s allegations following the acquittal of 8 Presidential Protection Unit Members
Richard Mamabolo, POPCRU National Spokesperson, 08 May 2025
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) welcomes the acquittal of the eight members of the Presidential Protection Unit, who have endured undue public vilification while subject to the legal process. This judgment reaffirms our belief in the principle of due process, which must be upheld regardless of public opinion or media pressure.
POPCRU has issued a strong rebuke of recent remarks by Ian Cameron, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, after he publicly referred to a group of acquitted police officers as “THUGS.”
We strongly condemn the reckless and inflammatory remarks made by Ian Cameron, which falsely accuse POPCRU of blocking legal proceedings and of defending police brutality. These are not only baseless and defamatory but represent a deliberate attempt to delegitimise the role of organised labour in defending the rights of its members.
POPCRU has never, and will never, condone any form of police abuse. We consistently advocate for accountability, constitutional policing, and community safety rooted in human rights. However, we equally reject trial by media, political opportunism, and the scapegoating of officers before facts are established.
POPCRU President Thulani Ngwenya states that Cameron’s comments represent a gross misuse of his parliamentary oversight role and undermine the justice system.
“Cameron’s behaviour is reckless and unethical, especially as these officers have been cleared wrongdoing through due process. Who is he to undermine proper labour processes, or question the findings of the courts? His statements are deeply disturbing, and we will not stand quietly by and allow his behaviour to go unchecked.”
We are deeply concerned that Mr. Cameron’s remarks, made in his capacity as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police, reflect not oversight, but political bias and a dangerous posture of incitement. His comments have the potential to agitate communities against police officers, placing lives at risk and undermining the rule of law.
We therefore call on the Parliamentary Ethics Committee to investigate these remarks and take appropriate disciplinary action. Further, we urge Parliament to consider removing Mr. Cameron from the chairpersonship of the Police Portfolio Committee, as he has demonstrated a clear inability to execute his duties with impartiality and integrity.
In response, the union is calling for an immediate investigation by Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interest into Cameron’s conduct, alongside his removal from the committee chairmanship, to preserve the integrity of oversight structures.
A flagrant misuse of a constitutional oversight role
In a statement this week, Cameron lashed out at the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) internal disciplinary process, disparaging the outcome that saw eight VIP Protection Unit members acquitted of assault charges. Using social media and public platforms, he labelled the officers “thugs” and denounced their acquittal as a failure of justice.
POPCRU has expressed alarm over such language from the head of Parliament’s police oversight committee, terming the remarks irresponsible, inappropriate, and unbecoming. The organisation warns that this language unfairly casts judgement on officers who have been found not guilty.
As Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Cameron occupies a position created by the Constitution to hold the police accountable within the bounds of law and fairness. POPCRU argues that by resorting to insults and incendiary language, he has misused this constitutional mandate.
A suspicious silence on police killings
Adding to POPCRU’s criticism is what it calls Cameron’s “selective outrage”. The union and its members have been grappling with a relentless wave of violence against police officers, with numerous officers ambushed, wounded, or killed in recent months.
“This year alone, dozens of SAPS members have lost their lives in the line of duty, leaving behind grieving families and traumatised colleagues. Yet the Democratic Alliance and Cameron have been notably silent when it comes to condemning the killings of police officers or urging support for those on the front lines.
“Where was Cameron when, just last week, two SAPS members were shot to death in in the Western Cape? Meanwhile, he chooses to condemn VIP officers – who, it bears repeating, have been absolved of the accusations against them by lawful processes. His actions speak volumes about his priorities and undermines his self-styled image as a champion of accountability.”
Ngwenya further stresses that the fallout from Cameron’s one-sided interventions is felt keenly on the ground, emphasising that frontline officers not only feel vulnerable to violent criminals, but now also feel attacked from above by political leaders. “Such unfounded attacks from national leaders devalue their sacrifice and add immense stress and fear to an already demanding job.”
Given the gravity of the situation, POPCRU has formally called for Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interest to investigate Cameron for conduct highly inappropriate for a committee chair. The union argues his actions violate the ethical standards for members of parliament and undermine Parliament’s oversight mandate. POPCRU is also demanding Cameron’s immediate removal as chair of the Portfolio Committee on Police, insisting his bias disqualifies him from performing his duties objectively and effectively.
Issued by POPCRU
International-Solidarity
Take back democracy: Unions must unite against the billionaire coup
07 May 2025
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) is issuing an urgent call to action on this Victory over Fascism day: Take Back Democracy. Stop the Billionaire Coup!
On 8 May 1945, working people deployed by their nations forced the surrender in Europe of the fascist regimes that ignited the Second World War. Eight decades later, we have reached a new crossroads. Working people face an unholy alliance of billionaires, tech elites and far-right political forces who are exploiting our governments’ and institutions’ weaknesses. In every region of the world, they are pushing an agenda of destruction, exclusion and mass death.
This billionaire coup against democracy is now consolidating power and emerging from the shadows, but we can stop it. Trade unions around the globe are mobilizing, resisting and organizing to defend democracy and advance human rights, and today, the ITUC has released an open letter to world leaders calling on them to prevent calamity by embracing democracy.
In support of the ITUC’s campaign to take back democracy, UNI Global Union General Secretary Christy Hoffman said:
“Eighty years ago today, fascist governments in Europe were defeated, but the threat they represented never fully disappeared.
“Authoritarianism is resurgent worldwide, and these far-right governments, backed by ultra-rich elites, have a darker vision than just graft and personal gain: They want to remove any constraints on creating a world remade in their image – including unions.
“In my home country, the United States, politicians like Donald Trump and J.D. Vance are collaborating with tech billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk to weaken democratic institutions, rewrite international norms and dismantle the protections and multilateral institutions which millions depend on.
They don’t just want deregulation, they want domination. This authoritarian project is not isolated; we see its echoes across Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe.
“We will resist.
“Unions have historically fought this kind of authoritarianism – on the job and in the political arena – by shifting power from the few to the many. Through strikes, negotiation and solidarity, unions create a world in the image of the people not the plutocrats – diverse yet united, committed to justice and democracy.
“UNI calls on affiliates worldwide to join the ITUC campaign to “Take Back Democracy. Stop the Billionaire Coup!” We must stand united, from Argentina and Germany to Poland, South Korea, and beyond, as the cornerstone of global resistance to authoritarianism.
“Billionaires have money, but through our numbers and collective action, unions have the power to reclaim and strengthen democracy.”
Learn more about the ITUC’s campaign to take back democracy.
Get campaign materials here:
Download the open letter to heads of state, governments, and international institutions
Download the ITUC publication – The Trump-Musk Model: A Billionaire Coup Against Democracy
Download the ITUC’s Billionaire Coup Playbook
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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