Taking COSATU Today Forward, 28 May 2025
Norman Mampane
|
COSATU TODAY #Cosatu ordinary CEC scheduled to conclude its business today in Braamfontein #WorkeerControl #SACTU70 #ClassStruggle “Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism” #Back2Basics #JoinCOSATUNow #ClassConsciousness |
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
28 May 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 Gauteng welcomes the pronouncement by Premier Panyaza Lesufi to relaunch the Nasi Ispani Project
- COSATU will present its submission on the Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals to Parliament, Wednesday 28 May 2025
- South Africa
- COSATU saddened by the untimely passing of Presley Chweneyagae
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- Unionist appointed minister of labour in Gabon
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
COSATU Gauteng welcomes the pronouncement by Premier Panyaza Lesufi to relaunch the Nasi Ispani Project
Louisah Modikwe, COSATU Gauteng Provincial Secretary, 27 May 2025
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Gauteng welcomes the pronouncement by Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi to relaunch the Nasi Ispani programme to benefit young people in the province. Whilst we welcome this pronouncement, we are mindful that these are not decent jobs but with the economic stagnation and high unemployment rate any job created is welcomed.
In the mist of the pronouncement by the Premier, we have noted opposition from some political parties and in particular the Democratic Alliance (DA), rubbishing the announcement because the initial program collapsed amidst budgetary constraints that might have caused service delivery in other areas like social development.
COSATU in Gauteng calls for all parties in the legislature to support the program and monitor its implementation rather than throwing the baby with the bath water for political point scoring at the expense of the unemployed youth.
The Federation will request a meeting with the Premier to discuss amongst others, the recruitment processes, budget for the program and where it is derived from, the duration of the program and how it will benefit the participants.
Issued by COSATU Gauteng
_______________________
COSATU will present its submission on the Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals to Parliament, Wednesday 28 May 2025
Matthew Parks, COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, 27 May 2025
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) will present its submission on the Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals to Parliament’s Standing and Select Committees: Finance from 09h00 Wednesday 28 May 2025.
Issued by COSATU
COSATU saddened by the untimely passing of Presley Chweneyagae
Zanele Sabela, COSATU National Spokesperson, 28 May 2025
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is dismayed and saddened by the news of the passing of renowned actor Presley Chweneyagae. The Federation shares the sorrow of the nation and the entertainment industry with the news of his passing at a young age of 40.
In the span of his career, Chweneyagae achieved what most creatives only aspire to. At 21 years old, he attained international recognition when South African film, "Tsotsi”, which he starred in, won the Oscar in 2005. A year later, the role earned him his first Golden Horn at the first SAFTAs (South African Film and Television Awards). The acting roles that followed in various productions on television and theatre such as Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and iNumber Number, resonated with millions of South Africans, notably his portrayal of Cobra on the series “The River”.
The excellent craftsmanship in his roles often amplified the harsh social difficulties that exist in communities across the country. It is no surprise that he utilised his fame to inspire the youth, stretching his talent to motivate young people from disadvantaged communities.
His passion for youth development was extended through his involvement in several community programs focused primarily on arts development. For many young people, he became a beacon of hope as they experienced the despair of unemployment and poverty.
The Federation appreciates his charitable contribution of advocating for community programs in keeping young people preoccupied and from engaging in damaging activities. Addressing moral degeneration is a collective effort by all members of society.
COSATU celebrates the impressive talent that Chweneyagae possessed. He will be remembered for his ability to surpass the borders of storytelling, entertaining audiences with such ease while sensitising the world about their lived realities.
The Federation offers its sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues across the entertainment fraternity.
Issued by COSATU
International-Solidarity
Unionist appointed minister of labour in Gabon
27 May, 2025
IndustriALL welcomes the appointment of Patrick Barbera Isaac as Gabon’s new minister of Labour, Full Employment and Social Dialogue. A long-standing trade unionist and national secretary for health, social protection and pensions at IndustriALL affiliate Organisation Nationale des Employés du Pétrole (ONEP), Isaac brings deep union experience to the role at a crucial time for the country’s workforce.
Isaac officially assumed his duties this month, with a mandate to strengthen labour policy implementation, reduce youth unemployment, currently at 36.9 per cent according to the World Bank and promote decent work through social dialogue. The unemployment rate is even higher among young women, underlining the urgency of inclusive job creation strategies.
ONEP, which organizes around 3,000 workers in Gabon’s oil and gas sector, welcomed the appointment, calling on the new minister to prioritize the improvement of working conditions and the institutionalization of dialogue between workers and employers.
Gabon’s economy is heavily reliant on oil, which accounts for roughly 40 per cent of GDP. This dependence exposes the country to global price volatility. As oil reserves decline, the government is shifting focus to economic diversification and sustainable development.
ONEP has called on the labour ministry to play a proactive role in developing employment opportunities in emerging sectors, particularly in the context of the country’s Just Transition. The union participates in the Sub-Saharan Africa Energy Network (SSAEN), which supports union involvement in decarbonization strategies and renewable energy frameworks.
Beyond oil, Gabon is expanding into natural gas and other sectors such as agriculture, tourism, digital technologies and mining. The country holds strategic reserves of iron ore, manganese and rare earth elements, critical minerals for renewable energy technologies, including electric vehicles and battery production. The development of digital industries is also advancing under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which Gabon has signed.
As the country navigates structural shifts, IndustriALL and ONEP emphasize that social dialogue must remain central. The appointment of a labour minister with deep union roots presents a valuable opportunity to ensure that workers' rights and protections are embedded in Gabon’s economic transition.
“I congratulate Brother Isaac on his appointment as minister of labour. The appointment of trade unionists as government ministers is a signal that the head of government takes trade unions seriously and we will follow developments closely. . This appointment, which brings union experiences on collective bargaining and social dialogue to government must, benefit workers in Gabon,”
says Atle Hoie, IndustriALL general secretary.
With major multinational companies such as TotalEnergies, Perenco, Vaalco Energy, BW Energy and the state-owned Gabon Oil Company operating in offshore oil fields, the labour ministry’s role will be key in overseeing decent employment conditions and fair transitions across the energy sector.
______________________________
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