Taking COSATU Today Forward, 31 March 2025
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
31 March 2025
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- DENOSA concludes a successful 9th National Congress
- COSATU believes the rescue of 23 trafficked young people points to a dire need for job creation
- South Africa
- COSATU welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa's assenting to the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill
- Gender based violence, femicide and violence directed at children has no place in our society - NEHAWU calls for justice for Cwecwe
- SADTU condemns Bergview College handling of rape incident
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- ANC Study Group on International Relations and Cooperation welcomes the people-centred approach as a mechanism for international relations and cooperation
- Education International President Calls for Urgent Investment in Early Childhood Education at ISTP 2025
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
DENOSA
concludes a successful 9th National Congress
Kwena
Daniel Manamela, DENOSA General Secretary, 30 March 2025
The
Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) proudly announces the successful conclusion of its 9th National Congress, held under the theme
“Promoting Organisational Growth Through Innovative Practices Towards Resilient Quality Healthcare and Effective Member Servicing.”
The Congress, which took place on the 25 – 28 March 2025 at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg Johannesburg, brought together 490 delegates, representing 87,000 nurses across all nine provinces, as well as key allies, to deliberate on critical issues affecting
the nursing profession and the broader public healthcare system in South Africa.
This Congress, convened at a critical time when nurses and healthcare workers grapple with multiple challenges, including stagnant wages, a rising cost of living, continued attacks on collective bargaining, and systemic failures within the public healthcare
system. It also took place following the 2024 General Elections, which led to the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), presenting both challenges and opportunities for workers and their representation in policymaking.
Key Resolutions of the Congress
DENOSA emerged from this Congress, unified, energised, and resolute in advancing the interests of nurses and strengthening the healthcare system. Among the critical resolutions adopted at the Congress are the following:
Defending Workers’ Rights and Collective Bargaining – DENOSA firmly opposes the ongoing erosion of collective bargaining rights, particularly the Employer’s withdrawal from the PSCBC Resolution 3 of 2018. The organisation remains committed to securing
fair wage increases, improved working conditions, and job security for all nurses.
Addressing the Nursing Shortage and Working Conditions – The Congress emphasised the urgent need to address the severe shortage of nurses, the failure to absorb community service nurses, and the growing strain on healthcare workers due to understaffing.
DENOSA will continue to push for the immediate employment of nurses and a better working environment.
Fair and Decent Salaries – Recognising that nurses are the backbone of South Africa’s healthcare system, the Congress reaffirmed the call for just and competitive remuneration that reflects the value of their work.
Ensuring a Safe Working Environment – DENOSA remains steadfast in its demand for improved workplace safety, calling for stronger protections against violence and crime targeting nurses while on duty.
Transforming Nursing Education – The Congress resolved to push for a review of the nursing education system to better align it with the country’s comprehensive healthcare needs. Furthermore, delegates called for the immediate accreditation of nursing institutions
to address the critical shortage of trained healthcare professionals.
Implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) – DENOSA reaffirms its unwavering support for the rapid implementation of the NHI as a means to achieve Universal Health Coverage. However, the Congress also emphasised that systemic issues in the
public healthcare sector—such as infrastructure challenges, staff shortages, and resource allocation—must first be addressed to ensure the successful rollout of the NHI.
Strengthening Alliance and Organisational Unity – DENOSA reaffirmed its affiliation with COSATU and committed to playing an active role in efforts to revitalise and reconfigure the Alliance (COSATU, SACP, and SANCO) in pursuit of the working-class agenda.
Advancing Gender Equity and Combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) – Recognising the disproportionate impact of gender-based violence on nurses and healthcare workers, DENOSA resolved to intensify its efforts in championing gender equality and workplace
safety. In addition to denouncing GBV and sexual harassment in the workplace, DENOSA furthermore made a call against GBV in our societies, saying we need to find collective ways of addressing this issue.
Expanding DENOSA’s International Influence – The Congress reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to increasing its global presence in healthcare and labour discussions, ensuring that South African nurses contribute to shaping international health and
labour policies.
DENOSA extends its deepest gratitude to all members who actively participated in the Congress, ensuring its success and reinforcing the organisation’s unity and strength. The commitment and determination displayed by delegates reaffirm DENOSA’s role as a formidable
advocate for nurses in South Africa.
We also extend heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of COSATU for their unwavering support and solidarity throughout the Congress.
COSATU
remains a vital ally in the broader struggle for workers' rights, and DENOSA remains steadfast in its role within the Federation.
A special thank you is extended to our international guests whose participation enriched the Congress with global perspectives on nursing and labour issues. Their solidarity highlights the shared struggles of healthcare workers worldwide.
We also acknowledge and appreciate all the speakers and presenters who contributed valuable insights during various sessions, shaping the resolutions that will guide DENOSA’s strategic direction moving forward.
As we conclude this Congress, DENOSA stands firm and more determined to champion the rights of nurses and advocate for improvements in the healthcare fraternity. The resolutions adopted here will serve as a roadmap for the organisation's ongoing engagement
with stakeholders, mobilisation of members, and advocacy at national and international levels.
We are proud to announce our uncontested newly elected DENOSA leadership, who will steer the organisation forward in implementing these resolutions:
President: Simon Hlungwani
1st Deputy President: Simphiwe Daniel Gada
2nd Deputy President: Linah Jiyane
National Treasurer: Linda Eustacia Katz-Hulana
General Secretary: Kwena Daniel Manamela
Deputy General Secretary - Operations: Dimakatso Sebopa
Deputy General Secretary - Membership: Khaya Sodidi
We furthermore congratulate our newly elected Gender Structure leadership:
National Gender Chairperson: Khutlang Lethena
National Gender Deputy Chairperson: Dipuo Sekwati
National Gender Secretary: Ntsako Mathebula
National Gender Deputy Secretary: Nozuko Xoki
Together, we move forward, ready to implement a vigorous programme of action that will benefit our members and the healthcare sector as a whole. The Composite Resolutions of this Congress will be shared on our website at
www.denosa.org.za.
Issued by the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA)
Contact our National Spokesperson, Sonia Mabunda-Kaziboni, at 072-535-1577 for any additional information or media-related questions
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COSATU believes the rescue of 23 trafficked young people points to a dire need for job creation
Zanele Sabela, COSATU National Spokesperson, 30 March 2025
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) welcomes the rescue of 23 young South Africans who were trafficked to Myanmar under the pretence they would be working in call centres and in hospitality in Thailand.
This must serve as an urgent signal for the need for the South African economy to create jobs, particularly for the youth.
South Africa’s unemployment rate is a staggering 41.6%, but for youth aged between 15 and 24 years the unemployment rate is more than 70%. This helps explains the circumstances of how the 23 youngsters were lured with job offers but landed up living and working in slave-like conditions, forced to scam people online, while only allowed toilet breaks.
It should be national shame that our young people unwittingly walked into modern slavery because they could not find jobs in the country of their birth and fell into this trap because they were offered a plane ticket and promised a stipend. Three of the youths are reported to have been there for three years before they were rescued when Myanmar authorities raided the premises of their forced labour.
It is no exaggeration to say job creation must be a top priority for the 7th administration. This incident is a painful reminder that government needs to move with speed to capacitate the state, fix the State-Owned Enterprises, invest in infrastructure and stimulate growth. It is also critical that government pass the budget in April as per legislative framework to ensure the state fulfils its constitutional obligations including providing public services and paying social grants.
COSATU has been firm in its stance against the proposed VAT hike because the poor and the working class will be the hardest hit; but the Federation has welcomed progressive provisions including the additional R8.8 billion allocation for Public Employment Programmes and R22 billion from the Unemployment Insurance Fund for job creation programmes. This will go a long way towards reducing the dangerously high rate of youth unemployment.
The Federation will be pushing for urgent engagements at Nedlac on how to revamp Public Employment Programmes to ensure participants receive the training and experience needed to find permanent work on exit, and explore pooling together the various funding options, reducing corruption and wastage, and ensure participants are paid the National Minimum Wage.
The R3 billion allocated to ensure the missing middle can access support for tertiary education will assist young people secure future opportunities. It must be accompanied by a clean-up of NSFAS and an inflation adjustment to its threshold.
The Federation commends the Department of International Relations and Cooperation for ensuring the safe return of the 23 trafficked youths but urges government to waste no time in stimulating the economy to create badly needed jobs.
Issued by COSATU
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COSATU welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa's assenting to the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill
Matthew Parks, COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, 30 March 2025
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s assenting to the General Intelligence Laws Amendment (GILA) Bill.
Intelligence and security services are an essential part of any modern state. What is critical is to ensure there are sufficient checks and balances, transparency and oversight mechanisms set in law to prevent their potential abuse. South Africa saw the real costs of such shenanigans during the decade of state capture when the State Security Agency and other intelligences organs were wantonly abused for personal, criminal and factional purposes.
The Act provides a welcome response to these abuses and more specifically to the Presidential High-Level Panel led by Dr. Sydney Mufamadi that made clear recommendations on overhauling the existing and clearly weak legislation providing oversight over the security and intelligence services.
Many parts of the Act that are straight forward, e.g. establishing a National Intelligence Academy and separating domestic and foreign intelligence services.
COSATU was deeply worried by several clearly unconstitutional clauses in the initial 2023 draft of the Bill. We are pleased that following objections from COSATU and others, government acted immediately to remove these clauses.
We welcome critical and progressive amendments made to the Bill during the extensive Parliamentary hearings, including tightening definitions of threats to national and state security, judicial checks and balances for bulk monitoring of communications, clauses prohibiting any illegal instructions or acts by members of the security services, as well as the separation of the budgets for the Office of the Inspector-General for Intelligence and the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee from that of the State Security Agency.
Whilst COSATU supports these positive amendments to the Act, we believe the 7th Parliament should further strengthen it to ensure the findings of the Inspector-General are binding upon state intelligence organs that it is constitutionally bound to monitor. This is critical to ensure the state’s security and intelligence agencies perform their constitutional mandates and are held accountable.
The Federation draws comfort from government and Parliament, led by the African National Congress’ commitment to upholding the Constitution and strengthening oversight of the state, and their political maturity to make critical legislative amendments when COSATU and other sober stakeholders raise concerns and make proposals.
This is key to sustaining and nurturing our hard-won democracy. It is a lesson that the barking carnivals of fringe elements who thrive on hate speech, social media likes, and disinformation would be wise to learn from.
Issued by COSATU
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Gender based violence, femicide and violence directed at children has no place in our society - NEHAWU calls for justice for Cwecwe
Zola Saphetha, NEHAWU General Secretary, March 30, 2025
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] is angered and saddened by the horrifying case of alleged rape of a seven-year-old child from Matatiele, who was allegedly raped while at Bergview College.
This case once again highlights the scourge of Gender Based Violence, Femicide and Violence directed against Women and Children that is tearing our society apart and affects every community in the country.
As a nation, we can no longer stand by and watch such atrocities occurring in our communities. This case just like many before necessitates urgent intervention from everyone in society to combat all forms of gender based violence and violence directed at women and children. In this regard, we call on everyone in society to play an active role in ensuring that GBVF has no place in our society.
As NEHAWU, we call on the government and law enforcement agencies to deal decisively with the perpetrators of this heinous act against a seven-year-old child. We call for justice on Cwecwe and other countless victims of GBV in this country. Enough is Enough. We demand Justice Now.
Equally, we call on government to ensure that schools are a safe haven for children and must be protected at all material times. Furthermore, we call on government and Bergview College to provide psychological and social support to Cwecwe and her family, learners, and workers at the schools.
Lastly, we reiterate that Gender Based Violence, Femicide and Violence directed at Children has no place in our society. As NEHAWU, we demand Justice for Cwecwe.
END
Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat
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SADTU condemns Bergview College handling of rape incident
Dr Mugwena Maluleke, SADTU General Secretary, 29 March 2025
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) is highly disturbed by the uncaring and unprofessional handling of a rape incident of a seven-year-old Grade 1 learner at Bergville College in Matatiele. The incident, which allegedly occurred in October last year, remains unsolved, with no one apprehended to date.
The school principal has not cooperated with the law enforcement authorities by refusing to undergo a DNA test, unlike other males who were in contact with the learner on the day of the incident. Furthermore, the principal and school management have not properly accounted on the internal processed they have undertaken to assist in identifying the perpetrator.
According to the learner’s mother who shared her account on social media, the principal appeared more concerned with protecting the school’s reputation than assisting the family to seek justice. Shockingly, he allegedly wrote a removal letter to transfer the learner to another school without the parents requesting such action.
SADTU welcomes the decision of the Eastern Cape Department of Education to deregister the college for failing to provide a safe and secure environment for learners.
While the Constitution grants everyone the right to establish independent educational institutions, these schools must remain accountable to the state, learners, and parents. Additionally, the employment of teachers and staff in these institutions should align with public schools’ policies including mandatory vetting against the National Register of Sex Offenders.
We urge the police to investigate the case thoroughly and make arrests as a matter of urgency. Justice delayed is justice denied. We call on the South African Council for Educators (SACE) to investigate the principal’s conduct. Furthermore, we call on the Department of Basic Education to intervene and ensure that all schools – whether independent or public – implement safety policies to protect children.
SADTU extends its full support to the learner and her family of the learner and call on the Department of Basic Education as well as Social Services to provide them with psycho-social support during this stressful period.
ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat
International-Solidarity
ANC Study Group on International Relations and Cooperation welcomes the people-centred approach as a mechanism for international relations and cooperation
29 March 2025
The African National Congress (ANC) study group on International Relations and Cooperation supports and welcomes the People-Centred approach adopted by the Portfolio Committee.
For too long, International Relations has been confined to the realm of elite academia and policymakers. They have been very disconnected from the people it impacts the most, the people of South Africa. In recent years, the nation has witnessed how some developments in the global arena have impacted the livelihoods and worsened challenges such as access to life-saving medication for millions of our people.
The concept paper on International Relations People-Centred Oversight Forums was conceptualised, initiated and tabled to the Portfolio Committee in 2022 by the Chairperson of International Relations and Cooperation, Hon Supra Obakeng Mahumapelo.
As the ANC, we believe that foreign policy and global developments have tangible effects on the ground. They shape economies, livelihoods, and communities. In our view, the Portfolio Committee is fulfilling its constitutional mandate to ensure public participation in the otherwise elitist foreign policy space.
We commend the Committee’s drive to establish the People-Centred Oversight mechanisms in all nine provinces. These forums will provide timely feedback on how the people would wish the Portfolio Committee’s mandate to respond to their situations.
We acknowledge the work done during the 6th administration in 2022, which included an introduction conducted for organised structures, such as SALGA, the House of Traditional Leaders, legislators, think tanks, and others.
We enthusiastically support the Committee’s determination to strengthen communication with the people and also for people to play a practical, meaningful, and valuable role in how it makes oversight relevant to the people of South Africa. The oversight mechanism will be implemented in all municipalities across South Africa, with a particular focus on villages, townships, small towns, and cities.
We need to continually and consistently advocate for democratising this discourse by simplifying the language, ensuring that foreign policy decisions are made transparently, with inclusivity, and ensuring that our communities have a deep understanding of the real world and how global processes affect them.
A truly democratic foreign policy is one that reflects the voices, interests, and aspirations of all South Africans. The People-Centred Oversight Mechanism on International Relations and Cooperation is a vital step toward ensuring that foreign policy is not just a government responsibility but a national priority that involves every citizen.
The study group believes that, once established, the mechanisms will help to harmonise policies and activities while normalising relations for the people of South Africa and enhancing social stability and economic development.
By making International Relations accessible and transparent, this initiative empowers individuals, businesses, and communities to engage meaningfully in trade agreements, diplomatic decisions, and global partnerships. It strengthens South Africa’s position on the world stage by ensuring that our policies reflect the diverse perspectives of our people and that they are actively able to participate.
We fully support this mechanism as a means to foster national unity, economic opportunity, and informed participation in shaping South Africa’s global future. Together, we can build a foreign policy that truly serves the people.
A radical perspective on economic diplomacy matters, and it will only be possible when our people understand International Relations. An oversight framework on economic diplomacy needs to be established, as expressed in the NDP. We must ensure it leads to job creation, alleviates poverty, leads to industrialisation and ensures equal opportunities for all South Africans. We need to be committed to a radical approach towards our foreign policy to ensure it serves the needs of our people.
Our approach to making our people understand international relations matters will be a determining factor for the success of this mechanism.
Issued by the Whip of the ANC Study Group on International Relations and Cooperation, Cde Andisiwe Kumbaca
For enquiries, please contact:
Cde: Hlengiwe Hadebe
Media Liaison Officer
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Education International President Calls for Urgent Investment in Early Childhood Education at ISTP 2025
Reykjavík, Iceland – 25 March 2025
Education International (EI) President Dr. Mugwena Maluleke has issued a passionate call for greater investment in early childhood education (ECE) and enhanced support for teachers, warning that chronic underfunding threatens global education goals. Speaking at the International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) 2025 in Reykjavík, Iceland, Dr. Maluleke urged governments to take decisive action to address growing inequalities in education.
Early Childhood Education in Crisis
In his opening remarks, Dr. Maluleke praised the Icelandic government and Kennarasamband Islands for hosting the summit and acknowledged the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for its continued partnership with EI in fostering global dialogue on education policy.
He highlighted the severe lack of investment in early childhood education, particularly in developing nations, where access remains out of reach for many children. “Early childhood education remains underfunded and overprivatised, making it inaccessible to the most marginalised communities,” Maluleke stated. “In Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, the participation rate for children from the poorest families is below 10% largely because the costs have been shifted onto households.”
The Teacher Shortage and Wellbeing Crisis
Beyond access to education, Maluleke emphasised the urgent need to address the global teacher shortage, which he attributed to poor working conditions, low salaries, and inadequate professional development opportunities. He noted that many early childhood educators leave the profession due to high workloads, emotional exhaustion, and a lack of career progression.
“A mentally and emotionally well teacher is the strongest asset to the teaching profession,” Maluleke asserted. “If we want to solve the teacher shortage, we must prioritize teacher wellbeing. Burnout and stress are pushing educators out of the profession at alarming rates, and this is something we cannot afford to ignore.”
He introduced the concept of “moral stress,” a term originally used in nursing, to describe the situation where teachers know what their students need but lack the resources or institutional support to provide it. “Put simply, student achievement is dependent on teachers who feel positive about themselves and their ability to teach,” he said.
Empowering Teachers to Empower Students
Dr. Maluleke also stressed the importance of empowering educators through democratic governance in schools, calling for stronger teacher involvement in education policy decisions.
“It is hard for teachers to instill confidence, agency, and active citizenship in students if they themselves feel powerless,” he explained. “Teachers must have a voice in shaping their working conditions and the broader education system.”
He further warned against increasing restrictions on education, such as book bans and censorship, which he described as attacks on academic freedom. “How can we expect students to thrive if their teachers are struggling? How can we foster a love for learning if our educators are overwhelmed and unsupported?” he asked.
Dr Maluleke concluded his address with a call for collaboration between governments, education unions, and policymakers to address these pressing challenges. “The only way we can ensure quality education for all is by working together,” he stated. “Systems that foster ongoing dialogue between governments and teachers’ unions are better equipped to navigate challenges and build sustainable solutions.”
As ISTP 2025 continues, discussions will focus on practical steps to expand early childhood education access, improve teacher wellbeing, and strengthen the teaching profession. Maluleke’s remarks have set the stage for critical conversations on shaping the future of global education.
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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