Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin, 25 April 2025 #MayDay2025

[Norman Mampane]

COSATU TODAY
#Cosatu announces Alliance speakers to address workers at nine #MayDayRallies
#Cosatu has opened media accreditation application process for journalists/media houses for National May Day
#CosatuMayDay count down underway.....
#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

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Our side of the story
25 April 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!

* COSATU May Day Rallies' Speakers-Preparations for 2025 May Day Celebrations
* Media accreditation applications for COSATU's National May Day event now open
* Media accreditation for COSATU May Day events across the country

*

* South Africa
* SACP welcomes new Head of Media, Communication and Information
* ANC Study Group slams Central University of Technology's employment practices and calls for immediate review and greater transparency
* International-Workers' Solidarity!
* ILO Director-General calls for an integrated approach to jobs, rights, and growth
* For healthcare workers and patients across the world, water insecurity is already a crisis
Workers' Parliament-Back2Basics
COSATU May Day Rallies' Speakers announced-Preparations for 2025 May Day Celebrations
Thabo Mahlangu, COSATU Organizing Secretary, 25 April 2025
COSATU is mobilising workers for 2025 May Day Celebrations across the country, using priority campaigns which among others, include:

1. Listening Campaign through workplace general meetings
2. Recruitment, National Health Insurance, Gender Based Violence, Occupational Health and Safety and Listening campaigns
3. Structural meetings (Local Shopsteward Councils)
4. Provinces have submitted venues where celebrations are going to be held, and we have drafted a deployment of Central Executive Committee members and attendance during mobilisation.
Summary of Activity on May Day and Venue per Province is as follows:
Province
Activity
Staring time
Venue

Mpumalanga
National Rally
09:00am
Kees Taljaard Stadium, Middelburg.
Western Cape
Rally
10:00am
The Castle, Cape town
Free State
Rally
09:00am
Kroon Park Arena, Kroonstad
Eastern Cape
Rally
10:00am
Sisa Dukashe Stadium, Mdantsane
Gauteng
Rally
09:00am
Sharpeville Cricket Pitch, Sedibeng
KwaZulu Natal
Rally
09:00am
Curries Fountain Stadium, Durban
Limpopo
Rally
09:00am
Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
Northern Cape
Rally
09:00am
Thabo Moorosi Multipurpose Centre, Mothibistad, Kuruman
North West
Rally
9:00am
Lehurutshe Stadium, Zeerust

May Day Venues, Activity and Draft Deployment
PROVINCE
CONTACT PERSON
VENUE
SPEAKERS
COSATU CEC & Alliance Deployees

1. MPUMALANGA
013 656 0289
Thabo Mokoena
073 750 2041

James Mhlabane
064 753 9066
Mhlekwa Nxumalo-SACP
084 219 3801

Mandla Tibane-SACP
079 406 2099
Taaljaard Stadium
Middleburg


Cde Zingiswa Losi -COSATU President

Cde Cyril Ramaphosa-ANC President

Solly Mapaila-SACP General Secretary

Cde Richard Hlophe-SANCO President




Cde Phillip Vilakazi-NUM Deputy President

Cde Dr Cedric Sihlangu-SAMATU General Secretary

Cde Mosadiwamaje Mokokong-POPCRU 1st Deputy President

CdeTsietsi Mafabatho-SASBO President

Cde Mluleki Mbhele-SAMWU 1st Deputy President

Cde Mirriam Mabunda-PAWUSA 1st Deputy President

Cde Chakale Mahlatsi-POPCRU 1st Deputy General Secretary

Cde Lindiwe Motshwane-SADTU National Treasurer

Cde Suzan Khumalo-SACTWU President

Cde Mduduzi Mbongwe-SACCAWU General Secretary

Cde Nkoketse Sepogwane-SATAWU 1st Deputy President

Cde Khaya Sodidi-DENOSA Deputy General Secretary

Cde December Mavuso-NEHAWU Deputy General Secretary

Cde Joe Phaahla-ANC
Cde Sisisi Tolashe -ANC
Cde Gerhard Koornhof- ANC
Cde Zoleka Capa-Langa- ANC
Cde Nkenke Kekana -ANC
Cde Cyril Xaba -ANC
Cde Fawzia Peer -ANC

Cde Thandi Modise- ANC
Cde Parks Tau -ANC
Cde Lindiwe Sisulu- ANC

Jenny Schreiner- SACP
Ben Martins-SACP
Fisani Shabangu-SACP

1. WESTERN CAPE

021 448 0046
Malvern de Bruyn
060 977 9027

Cleopatra Kakaza
072 312 6822

Benson Ngqentsu
SACP
082 796 6400
The Castle -
Cape Town





Cde Solly Phetoe-COSATU General Secretary

Cde Fikile Mbalula-ANC Secretary General

Cde Madala Masuku-SACP 1st Deputy General Secretary
Cde Sylvia Maphala-SANCO 2nd Deputy General Secretary



Cde Bonita Loubser-SACTWU General Secretary

Mpho Phakedi -NUM Acting General Secretary

Cde Muthavhi Nkhetheni-SAMWU Deputy General Secretary

Cde Kwena Daniel Manamela-DENOSA General Secretary

Cde Fasega Solomon-SADTU Vice President Education

Cde Ntuthuzelo Mhlubulwana-SATAWU President

Brenita Cloete-SACCAWU First Deputy President

Cde Joey Hector-PAWUSA National Treasurer

Cde Monwabisi Konofana-AFADWU 2nd Deputy President

Cde Nomakhosazana Meth -ANC
Cde Mondli Gungubele- ANC
Cde Alvin Botes- ANC
Cde Lindiwe Zulu- ANC
Cde Ronald Lamola- ANC
Cde Mdumiseni Ntuli- ANC
Cde Nocawe Mafu -ANC
Cde David Mahlobo- ANC
Cde Nkosazana Dlamini -Zuma ANC

Rob Davies-SACP
Barry Mitchell-SACP


1. FREE STATE
















FS- 051 447 5499
Tiisetso Mahlatsi
077 607 3012

Mongezi Mbelwane
072 308 7658

Mojalefa Simango
078 893 8972
079 515 5121

Kroon Park Arena, Kroonstad

Patrick Hailane-SACCAWU President

Cde Thandi Moraka-ANC Convenor

Buti Manamela-SACP Central Committee Member

Cde Mike Soko-SANCO General Secretary


Cde Nkosana Dolopi-SADTU Deputy General Secretary

Cde Sengwatsi Mogatwe-SAEPU Deputy President

Cde Nwabisa Majova-SAMWU National Treasurer

Cde Walter Msimanga-AFADWU President

Cde Kgomotso Makhupola-NEHAWU National Treasurer

Cde Dimakatso Sebopa-DENOSA Deputy General Secretary

Cde Jack Mazibuko-SATAWU General Secretary

Cde Cassel Mathale- ANC
Cde Zuko Godlimpi- ANC
Cde Nonceba Mhlauli -ANC
Cde Soviet Lekganyane -ANC
Cde David Makhura- ANC
Cde Zwelini Mkhize -ANC
Cde Noxolo Kieviet -ANC

Fikile Majola-SACP
Lechesa Tsenoli-SACP
Mabuse Mpe-SACP
Phumzile Mnguni-SACP


1. EASTERN CAPE
043 726 4088

Mkhawuleli Maleki
082 339 5482

Sisimone Rakaibe-SACP
072 207 1296
Sisa Dukashe Stadium, Mdantsane


Cde Zola Saphetha-NEHAWU General Secretary

Cde Maropene Ramokgopa-ANC 2nd Deputy Secretary
General

Thulas Nxesi-SACP Deputy National
Chairperson

Cde Skhumbuzo Mpanza-SANCO National Chairperson
Cde Zamikhaya Skade-POPCRU 2nd Deputy President

Sthembele Mhlana-SACCAWU National Treasurer

Cde Sicelo Gumede-SACTWU 1st Deputy President

Cde Simphiwe Daniel Gada-DENOSA 1st Deputy President

Cde Nolitha Mboniswa-SADTU Vice President Sports and Culture

Cde Siyabulela Dinisile-SATAWU 2nd Deputy President

Cde Senzo Mchunu-ANC
Cde Mamoloko Kubayi -ANC
Cde Obed Bapela -ANC
Cde Pinky Kekana- ANC
Cde Nobuhle Nkabane - ANC
Cde Joy Maimela -ANC
Cde Mzwandile Masina- ANC
Cde Thembi Simelane - ANC
Cde B Chauke -ANC
Cde Pule Mabe- ANC

Bulelwa Tunyiswa-SACP
Mluleki Dlelanga-SACP
Kholiswa Fihlani-SACP


1. GAUTENG









011 403 0990
Louisa Modikwe
082 297 2659
Itumeleng Moloantoa
071 873 5238

Pamela Maleho
SACP
083 505 3645
Sharpeville Cricket Pitch, Sedibeng
Cde Duncan Luvuno-COSATU 2ND Deputy President

Cde Gwede Mantashe-ANC National Chairperson

Joyce Moloi-Moropa-SACP National Treasurer

Cde Lucky Moloi-SANCO 2nd Deputy President
Cde Thulani Ngwenya-POPCRU President

Cde Dudu Nkosi-SADTU Vice President Gender

Cde Rosemary Rauleka-SASBO Deputy President

Cde Langanani Mbodi-SAMATU President

Jerry Mmoneri-SACCAWU Deputy General Secretary

Cde Simon Hlungwani-DENOSA President

Cde Ntsapho Mhlawuli-SAEPU General Secretary

Cde Nelson Mokgotho-SAMWU President

Cde Amanda Sehoole-PAWUSA 1st Deputy General Secretary

Cde Nyameka Macanda-NEHAWU 1st Deputy President

Cde Khumbudzo Ntshavheni -ANC
Cde Mahlengi Bhengu -ANC
Cde Sihle Zikalala-ANC
Cde Polly Boshielo -ANC
Cde Sibongile Besani -ANC
Cde Dina Pule-ANC
Cde Malusi Gigaba-ANC
Cde Supra Mahumapelo-ANC
Cde Ronalda Nalumango-ANC

Polly Boshielo-SACP
Yershen Pillay-SACP
Dipuo Mvelase-SACP
Langa Zitha-SACP


1. KWA-ZULU NATAL
031 304 1690
Edwin Mkhize
082 339 7756
Khaliphile Cotoza
082 339 5760

Msizi Nhlapho
SACP
060 788 6211
Curries Fountain Stadium - Durban

Cde Gerald Twala-COSATU Deputy Secretary

General Secretary-Cde Paul Mashatile
ANC Deputy President

Blade Nzimande-SACP National Chairperson

Cde Chris Malematja-SANCO 1st Deputy President

Cde Dumisani Magagula-SAMWU General Secretary


Cde Nelisiwe Nxumalo-AFADWU National Treasurer

Cde Mabutho Cele-SADTU Deputy President

Cde Velly Masufi-SAEPU Treasurer

Cde Membinkosi Vilina-SACTWU Deputy General Secretary

Cde Mbali Blose-SACCAWU 2nd Deputy President

Cde Nkateko Mnisi-SAMATU 1st Deputy President

Cde Dickson Masemola-ANC
Cde Thoko Didiza-ANC
Cde Donald Selamolela-ANC
Cde Pemmy Mojodina-ANC
Cde Pam Tshwete-ANC
Cde Angie Motshekga-ANC
Cde Steve Mmapaseka Letsike-ANC
Cde Phumulo Masualle-ANC
Cde Joe Maswanganye -ANC

Yunus Carrim-SACP
Pat Horn-SACP
Nomarashiya Caluza -SACP
James Nxumalo -SACP
Celiwe Madlopha -SACP
Sdumo Dlamini- SACP

1. LIMPOPO
015 291 2981
Hangwani Mashao
076 205 6704
Toekie Kgabo
072 340 9489

Skenja Ramugumo
SACP
079 125 6283
Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
Cde Mpho Mpogeng-SAEPU President

Cde Thabang Makwetla
ANC Convenor

David Masondo
SACP 2nd Deputy General Secretary

Cde Donovan William-SANCO Acting National Organiser

Cde Mahlomola Makhura-SATAWU National Treasurer

Cde Phillip Mankge-NUM Acting Deputy General Secretary

Cde Paul Nephawe-SATAWU 2nd Deputy General Secretary

Cde Linah Jiyane-DENOSA 2nd Deputy President

Cde Thulani Nsele-POPCRU Treasurer

Cde Sam Dlamini-AFADWU Acting General Secretary

Cde Tshilidzi Sadiki-SAMATU 2nd Deputy President

Cde Neo Molefhe-PAWUSA 2nd Deputy General Secretary

Cde Thato Rikhotso-SAEPU Deputy General Secretary

Cde Portia Mamase-SACTWU National Treasurer

Cde Enoch Godongwana -ANC
Cde Kgosientso Ramokgopa-ANC
Cde Bathabile Dlamini -ANC
Cde Stella Ndabeni Abrahams-ANC
Cde Peggy Nkonyeni-ANC
Cde Andile Lungisa -ANC
Cde Sindi Chikunga -ANC
Cde Njabulo Nzuza-ANC

Alex Mashilo-SACP
Reneva Fourie -SACP
Tinyiko Ntini -SACP
Rudolph Phala- SACP


1. NORTHEN CAPE
Northern Cape- 053 832 9090
Orapeleng Moraladi
060 978 5651
Thandi Makapela
079 481 9077
JTG, Thabo Moorosi Multi-Purpose Centre, Kuruman

Cde Freda Oosthuysen-COSATU National Treasurer


Cde Dr Gwen Ramokgopa-ANC Treasurer General

Andries Nel-SACP Central Committee Member

Cde Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala
SANCO National Treasurer

Cde Boitumelo Pheleo-POPCRU 2nd Deputy President

Cde Helen Diatile-NUM National Treasurer

Cde Wendy Wiltshire -PAWUSA 2nd Deputy President

Cde Tumi Seshiro-AFADWU 1st Deputy President

Cde Linda Eustacia Katz-Hulana-DENOSA National Treasurer

Cde Portia Nkuna-SAMWU 2nd Deputy President

Cde Mzikhona Luhlongwane-SACTWU 2nd Deputy President

Cde Anele Kiet-SATAWU Deputy General Secretary

Cde Lindiwe Ntshalintshali-ANC
Cde Zizi Kodwa -ANC
Cde Khusela Diko-ANC
Cde Aaron Motsoaledi -ANC
Cde Thandi Mahambehlala -ANC
Cde Babalo Madikizela-ANC
Cde Febe Potgieter-ANC
Cde Dakota Legoete-ANC

Gregory Brown-SACP

1. NORTH-WEST
018 462 2406
Kabelo Kgoro
067 410 4696

Nick Mapheelle
SACP
072 466 7557
Lehurutshe Stadium, Zeerust
Cde Michael Shingange-COSATU 1st Deputy President

Cde Nomvula Mokonyane-ANC 1st DSG

Stan Mathabatha-SACP Central Committee Member

Cde Sibongiseni Dhlomo-SANCO National Working Committee Member

Cde Dan Balipile-NUM President

Cde Bruce Malumane-SAMATU President

Cde Patrick Makhafane-NEHAWU 2nd Deputy President

Cde Thekiso Maxwell Dthejane-PAWUSA President


Cde Refilwe Mtsweni Tsipane-ANC
Cde Regina Mhaule -ANC
Cde Faith Muthambi-ANC
Cde Mduduzi Manana ANC
Cde Lungi Gcabashe ANC
Cde Barbara Creecy-ANC
Cde Buti Manamela-ANC
Cde Bheki Cele-ANC

Tebogo Phadu-SACP
Motlalepula Lekoma-SACP
Dibulelo Mahlatsi-SACP


__________________

Media accreditation applications for COSATU's National May Day event now open

Zanele Sabela, COSATU National Spokesperson, 15 April 2025

Applications for media accreditation to cover COSATU's National May Day event are officially open. The Federation will continue with its tradition of hosting multiple May Day celebrations across the country with its national event to be held at the Kees Taljaard Stadium in Middleburg, Mpumalanga at 9am on 1 May.

The celebrations will be held under the Theme: "Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism".

COSATU President Zingiswa Losi will deliver the keynote address with messages of support from the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP).

A final draft program for the day will be shared with members of the media in due course.

Media applications for accreditation may be submitted to mam...@cosatu.org.za<mailto:mam...@cosatu.org.za> with the following details:

Name:
Surname:
ID number:
Media House/Address:
Contact number/email:

Alternatively, an application form can be completed via this link:

https://forms.office.com/r/7RwM3M593J

Issued by COSATU Mpumalanga

For more information, please contact:

Thabo Mokoena, COSATU Mpumalanga Provincial Secretary on 073 750 2041 OR
Norman Mampane on 072 416 3790
____________________________

Media accreditation for COSATU May Day events across the country

Zanele Sabela, COSATU National Spokesperson, 17 April 2025

Journalists are urged to apply for accreditation to attend Workers' Day celebrations across the country. Apart from the national event in Middleburg, Mpumalanga, the Congress of Trade Unions (COSATU) and its affiliates will hold provincial rallies to commemorate International Workers Day on the 1 May. National Office Bearers of COSATU and affiliated unions will lead the festivities, with Alliance partners delivering messages of support.

Media applications for accreditation may be submitted to the contacts listed below with the following details:

Name:
Surname:
ID number:
Media House/Address:
Contact number/email:

Below are the details of all the events:

Mpumalanga(National Rally),

Venue: Kees Taljaard Stadium, Middelburg

Time: 9am

Keynote speakers: Zingiswa Losi: COSATU President, Cyril Ramaphosa: ANC President and Solly Mapaila: SACP General Secretary

Contacts: Thabo Mokoena, COSATU Mpumalanga Provincial Secretary on 073 750 2041 OR Norman Mampane, mam...@cosatu.org.za<mailto:mam...@cosatu.org.za> or 072 416 3790

Alternatively, an application form can be completed via this link, before the 20th of April:

https://forms.office.com/r/7RwM3M593J

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Western Cape

Venue: The Castle, Cape Town

Time:10am

Keynote speaker: Solly Phetoe, COSATU General Secretary

Contact: Cleo...@cosatu.org.za<mailto:Cleo...@cosatu.org.za> 0661943618 or Mal...@cosatu.org.za<mailto:Mal...@cosatu.org.za>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Free State

Venue: Kroon Park Arena, Kroonstad

Time: 9am

Keynote speaker: Patrick Hailane, SACCAWU President

Contact: Mon...@cosatu.org.za<mailto:Mon...@cosatu.org.za> 0723087658 or tiis...@cosatu.org.za<mailto:tiis...@cosatu.org.za>

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eastern Cape

Venue: Sisa Dukashe Stadium, Mdantsane

Time: 10am

Keynote speaker: Zola Saphetha NEHAWU General Secretary

Contact: mkhaw...@cosatu.org.za<mailto:mkhaw...@cosatu.org.za> 082 339 5482 or simp...@cosatu.org.za<mailto:simp...@cosatu.org.za>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gauteng

Venue: Sharpeville Cricket Pitch, Sedibeng

Time: 9am

Key speaker: Duncan Luvuno, COSATU 2nd Deputy President

Contact: lmod...@cosatu.org.za<mailto:lmod...@cosatu.org.za>, Molo...@cosatu.org.za<mailto:Molo...@cosatu.org.za> 0718735238

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

KwaZulu-Natal

Venue: Curries Fountain Stadium, Durban

Time: 9am

Key speaker: Gerald Twala, COSATU Deputy General Secretary

Contact: Ed...@cosatu.org.za<mailto:Ed...@cosatu.org.za>, khali...@cosatu.org.za<mailto:khali...@cosatu.org.za> 0823395760

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Limpopo

Venue: Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane

Time: 9am

Keynote speaker: Mpho Mpogeng, SAEPU President

Contact: Hang...@cosatu.org.za,To...@cosatu.org.za<mailto:Hang...@cosatu.org.za,To...@cosatu.org.za> 0723409489

------------------------------------------------------------------------



Northern Cape

Venue: Thabo Moorosi Multipurpose Centre, Mothibistad, Kuruman

Keynote Address: Freda Oosthuysen, COSATU National Treasurer

Time: 9am

Contact: Orap...@cosatu.org.za<mailto:Orap...@cosatu.org.za>, Tha...@cosatu.org.za<mailto:Tha...@cosatu.org.za> 0794819077

-------------------------------------------------------------------

North West

Venue: Lehurutshe Stadium, Zeerust

Time: 9am

Keynote speaker: Michael Shingange, COSATU 1st Deputy President

Contact: Kab...@cosatu.org.za or ru...@cosatu.org.za<mailto:ru...@cosatu.org.za> on 083 430 0397

Issued by COSATU
South Africa
SACP welcomes new Head of Media, Communication and Information
Dr Alex Mohubetswane Mashilo, SACP Central Committee Member
Political Bureau Secretary for Policy and Research, 24 April 2025
The South African Communist Party (SACP) has appointed Comrade Mbulelo Mandlana as the Party's new Head of Media, Communication and Information Department.
Mandlana was the President of the South African Students Congress in 2010 and 2011.
From 2013 to 2017, he served as the National Education Officer for the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union, Nehawu. In appreciation of his work, Nehawu appointed him as the union's Head of Education, a position he served in from 2018.
Mandlana served as a member of the National Education Committee of the Congress of South African Trade Unions from 2017.
The SACP welcomes Comrade Mbulelo Mandlana, who is currently managing the transition for his appointment from the SACP Head Office, working together with the Party's Political Bureau Secretary for Policy and Research, Dr Alex Mohubetswane Mashilo.
From 5 May 2025, Mandlana will be reachable on the same cell phone number that Dr Mashilo has used as the SACP's Head of Media, Communication and Information, +27(0) 76 316 9816, while they will be still working together as part of the transition, until it is completed.
Issued by the South African Communist Party,
Founded in 1921 as the Communist Party of South Africa.
______________________
ANC Study Group slams Central University of Technology's employment practices and calls for immediate review and greater transparency
25 April 2025
The African National Congress (ANC) Study Group on Higher Education expresses grave concern over recent revelations regarding the employment practices at the Central University of Technology. It has come to our attention that the institution's workforce comprises 15% foreign nationals, while a startlingly low 1% of faculty positions are held by qualified South Africans, specifically among Asian, Coloured, and White communities. This trend is alarming and contrary to the values enshrined in our Constitution, which asserts the right to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all citizens.
The ANC has consistently advocated for policies that prioritize the upliftment of historically marginalized groups and the empowerment of South Africans in all sectors, including higher education. We believe that qualified South Africans should be given the first opportunity to contribute their skills and knowledge to our institutions.
The current hiring practices at the University of Technology reflect a disturbing disregard for these principles and threaten the very foundation of our democratic society. We condemn the university's approach, which undermines the aspirations of South Africans seeking employment and perpetuates a narrative of exclusion detrimental to our national unity. It's imperative that all educational institutions recognize their responsibility to contribute to the development of our country by prioritizing local talent and expertise.
Our Recommendations
We call upon the University of Technology to:
- Conduct an immediate review of its recruitment policies and practices.
- Ensure transparency and accountability in the recruitment process, giving qualified South Africans their rightful place within the academic workforce.
The ANC Study Group on Higher Education stands firm in its commitment to advocate for policies that protect the rights of South African citizens and promote equitable access to employment opportunities. We urge all stakeholders to join us in holding institutions accountable and fostering an environment where every South African can flourish. Together, we must reject any practices that compromise our constitutional values and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
ISSUED BY WHIP OF ANC STUDY GROUP ON HIGHER EDUCATION, Cde Tshepo Louw
For enquiries, please contact:
Cde Hlengiwe Hadebe
Media Liaison Officer
+27 64 147 3276
International-Solidarity
ILO Director-General calls for an integrated approach to jobs, rights, and growth
25 April 2025
Decent work must be an explicit target of economic policy, Gilbert F. Houngbo tells IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings.
GENEVA (ILO News) - The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo, has called for a unified strategy linking job creation, labour rights and economic growth to build a fairer and more resilient global economy.
In statements delivered to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring Meetings<https://www.ilo.org/node/704801> in Washington D.C., Houngbo emphasized the urgency of rethinking economic policy priorities. "The global economy stands at a critical juncture, and the moment for decisive action is now," he said.
Houngbo warned of persistent decent work deficits that threaten global prosperity, including high levels of informality, youth unemployment and widening gender disparities. "Our world is filled with persistent decent work deficits. Among them is the virtual absence of social protection for workers in the informal economy."
He also underscored the demographic urgency, with 1.2 billion young people expected to enter the workforce in the coming decades. "The connection between quality employment and prosperity can hardly be more evident or more urgent."
The Director-General highlighted the importance of managing economic uncertainties, including those driven by global trade dynamics. "Shifts in trade policies can lead to complex and uneven impacts across economic sectors, skill levels, and regions. ILO research shows that when trade patterns change, resource reallocation reverberates across global supply chains, with both job creation and displacement effects that vary across industries."
Addressing policy fragmentation, Houngbo said, "Too often, policymakers have viewed employment generation, rights protection, and economic growth as separate or even competing priorities, requiring difficult trade-offs. This fragmented perspective has led to policy approaches that ultimately undermine progress across all three dimensions."
He called for macroeconomic policies that treat decent work as a central objective. "Monetary and fiscal policies must evolve to recognize employment outcomes as key objectives alongside macroeconomic stability."
He emphasized the need for strategic sectoral investment. "Investments in the green economy, care services, education, and foundational digital infrastructure not only respond to long-term societal needs but also provide insulation from external economic shocks."
Labour rights and social protection, he stressed, are also economic stabilizers. "Social protection systems maintain consumption during downturns, prevent poverty, reduce inequality, and provide crucial income security for workers navigating increasingly volatile labour markets."
On the ILO's Global Coalition for Social Justice<https://social-justice-coalition.ilo.org/>, launched in 2023 as an inclusive multilateral response to pressing social and economic challenges, Houngbo said, "The Global Coalition creates a collaborative space for action, dialogue, and advocacy in which partners shape opportunities for concrete actions and tangible outcomes."
The Coalition, which now includes over 300 partners, complements partnerships with international financial institutions. "Since 2019, the ILO and IMF have deepened their partnership on sustainable financing for social protection," he emphasized. "Similarly, cooperation between the ILO and World Bank ... is reinforcing social protection systems while enhancing employment policies."
Houngbo concluded, "The ILO's integrated approach - linking jobs, rights, and growth - provides a framework for addressing these challenges into the future. By recommitting to social justice as the cornerstone of economic policy, we can establish decent work as the path to prosperity for all."
____________________
For healthcare workers and patients across the world, water insecurity is already a crisis
25 April 2025
Africa's healthcare infrastructure has long been fragile. Now, climate change is pushing it to the edge.
Climate change affects us all, but for health and care workers toiling in energy stressed countries like Zimbabwe, it is an immediate and relentless crisis. While many can adapt-finding ways to cool their homes, store water, or endure blackouts - healthcare workers don't have that luxury. Their job is to keep people alive, no matter how dire the conditions. Yet, with hospitals running dry and plunging into darkness, their ability to provide even the most basic care is crumbling.
Imagine delivering a baby by the glow of a phone flashlight. Picture trying to stop the spread of infections in a hospital with no running water. These are not hypotheticals. This is the lived reality for thousands of nurses, midwives, and hospital staff across the continent. Climate change<https://www.equaltimes.org/climate-change-adaptation-means-23498> is fuelling power outages, water shortages, and disease outbreaks, turning an already strained healthcare system into a battlefield. And the people fighting on the frontlines? They are exhausted, underpaid, and ignored.
Africa's healthcare infrastructure has long been fragile. Now, climate change is pushing it to the edge.
Malaria, cholera, and heat-related illnesses are on the rise, yet hospitals often lack the power to run essential medical equipment. "The world talks about turning off the lights for an hour [for commemorative days like Earth Day], but for us, power cuts are a daily reality," says Mary Kathiru Nderi of the Kenya Union of Commercial, Food and Allied Workers (KUCFAW). "Floods and droughts have made our work unbearable. We are expected to maintain hygiene standards in hospitals with no running water. When there's no electricity, we have to deliver babies using phone flashlights."
Water shortages mean surgical tools can't be properly sterilised. Patients recovering from infections can't be given basic sanitary care. And yet, the burden is always on healthcare workers to make it work - to save lives in impossible conditions.
For healthcare workers, the reality of energy and water scarcity can be catastrophic. Unlike a controlled, voluntary blackout, hospital power failures are unpredictable and deadly. "We are in the frontlines, ensuring that patients receive care even when hospitals run out of water, power, and medical supplies," says Tecla Barangwe from the Medical Professionals and Allied Workers Union of Zimbabwe (MPAWUZ). "Yet, our working conditions are ignored. We need policies that protect us - better wages, protective equipment, and recognition of the critical role we play in our communities."
Climate-induced power cuts don't just inconvenience healthcare workers; they endanger lives. Refrigeration for blood supplies and vaccines fail. Life-support systems shut down. Emergency surgeries become impossible. In Cameroon, Rodolphe Nouemwa Tassing of the National Trade Union for Banker and Financial Institutions of Cameroon (SNEGCBEFCAM) warns that "without investment in climate-resilient health systems, care workers and patients alike will continue to suffer".
Heat stress
Rising temperatures<https://www.equaltimes.org/as-global-temperatures-rise> don't just bring more patients suffering from heatstroke and dehydration. They also push healthcare workers past their physical limits. Many hospitals lack air-conditioning or proper ventilation, forcing nurses and doctors to work in sweltering conditions while caring for an overwhelming number of patients.
"Take the example of a nurse working in a hospital in a tropical region, where rising temperatures and heat waves are becoming more frequent," says Joël Lueteta of the Democratic Republic of Congo's Generale Syndicale. "These heat waves increase cases of heatstroke, severe dehydration, and heart problems, overloading hospital services. Nurses, already managing an overwhelming number of patients, must also endure extreme heat in facilities where air-conditioning is inadequate or non-existent. This heat stress doesn't just affect our ability to work<https://www.equaltimes.org/in-the-face-of-climate-change> - it puts our own health at risk."
Healthcare unions across Africa are calling for urgent interventions to protect workers from climate-induced crises, emphasising the need for stronger worker representation in climate policy discussions and collective bargaining agreements that include resilience measures.
We demand investment in infrastructure, such as solar-powered backup systems and climate-proof hospitals, to ensure survival. Additionally, we need to continue stressing the importance of safer working conditions, including protective equipment, heat mitigation strategies, and disaster preparedness training as standard in all healthcare facilities.
Health and care workers - those on the frontlines of our collective climate crisis - shouldn't be left to fend for themselves. "We need real change-better wages, climate-resilient hospitals, and recognition of the essential role we play," says Barangwe. "The world can't afford to ignore us any longer."
By Keith Jacobs<https://www.equaltimes.org/keith-jacobs>

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