COSATU – Congress of South African Trade Unions

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) stands squarely behind Sasbo as it pushes back on African Bank’s plan to retrench 1 200 workers and close 90 branches. African Bank announced the plan to media on Thursday before properly engaging…
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) joins its militant affiliate, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), as it condemns the decision of De Beers to halt production for two years at Venetia Mine in Limpopo, and issue a…
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) stands in solidarity with its militant affiliate, the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU), in rejecting Sun International South Africa’s latest Section 189A retrenchment process. COSATU is deeply concerned…
COSATU Gauteng notes the successful operation by SAPS, SANDF and Sibanye Protection Services that resulted in the arrest of more than 150 suspected illegal miners at Kloof Mine in Westonaria. Illegal mining is a serious threat to workers, communities and…
Background The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Gauteng convened a Special Provincial Executive Committee (SPEC) on 7 July 2026 to deliberate on issues including the unity of the Alliance, anti-corruption and the cost-of-living campaigns. The SPEC was…
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) congratulates the new leadership collective of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) elected at the 13th National Congress. NEHAWU has emerged from the Congress with Nyameka Macanda, the union’s former…
The Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood, and Allied Workers Union (CEPPWAWU) is proud to announce a major legal victory in a long-standing labour dispute involving twenty-four of our members employed by Hoya Lens South Africa (Pty) Ltd. The matter, cited…
Congress Of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Eastern Cape will be participating in the nationwide protest tomorrow, 19 June, as per the decision of the Central Executive Committee, the highest decision-making structure between the National Congresses. The action…
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), its Affiliates and aligned civil society organisations will hold demonstrations across the country to protest the escalating cost of living on Friday, 19 June. The cost of living in South Africa has…
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Committee, PEC met on 11 June 2026 to assess the prevailing political, organizational, socio-economic and international situation. Among the key issues discussed was the deepening Cost of Living Crisis…

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COSATU was formally launched on December 1, 1985, at the height of the anti-apartheid struggle, uniting diverse, anti-apartheid unions into a formidable force. Towards 40th Anniversary Rally this December 2025. See you there. Watch

Share your views, experiences, priorities, and expectations for the future of COSATU. The findings will help inform COSATU’s organising strategies, campaigns, programmes, and discussions ahead of the next COSATU Congress.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) posts daily statements to inform workers and the public about issues related to labour and work. The union uses these statements to communicate its stance on current events, to hold government and businesses accountable, and to mobilize its members for action.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) makes a variety of documents available online, providing a valuable resource for its members, researchers, and the general public. By accessing the “Documents” tab on the menu bar, users can find a wide range of materials that shed light on the federation’s history, policies, and ongoing campaigns.

COSATU has a number of booklets on various labour and policy-related topics. These publications address important issues affecting workers and provide a deeper look into the federation’s policy stances and campaigns. These documents cover key issues relevant to workers, offering insight into the federation’s positions and campaigns.

The COSATU call center is a crucial resource for workers in South Africa, providing a direct and accessible channel for help and advice on work-related matters and labour issues.

Digital tools designed to simplify the estimation process, providing better projections for essential contributions like UIF and variable costs such as overtime pay.

COSATU WhatsApp channel is a modern and effective tool that leverages a popular platform to inform, educate, and mobilize workers. It is a key part of the federation’s strategy.

The COSATU magazine, The Shopsteward, is a vital tool for the federation, serving as a key communication and educational resource for its members and the public. In a media landscape often dominated by corporate interests, a union-produced magazine provides an essential alternative narrative, focusing on issues directly relevant to the working class.

COSATU YouTube allow the federation to reach a wide audience and directly communicate its message to both its members and the public at large, amplifying its voice on labour and work-related matters. The federation extensively uses YouTube as a communication platform through its frequent appearances on major news channels.

By capturing and sharing these moments, COSATU ensures its story is told not only through words but also through powerful, lasting images that resonate with the struggles and triumphs of the working class. COSATU uses them effectively to capture the spirit of the labour movement.

COSATU’s Facebook page is your go-to source for the latest news and updates on our work. We use this platform to communicate directly with workers and the public on issues that affect your daily life and livelihood. Follow the official COSATU Facebook page!

We use our Twitter account to cut through the noise and deliver critical information directly to you. Your follow is a show of solidarity and a way to stay connected to the heart of the workers’ movement. key platform for COSATU to share urgent information.

Do you want to see our campaigns and events in action? We’re using this platform to make sure that the voice of the working class is heard loud and clear. Your support on TikTok helps us reach more people and build a stronger, more united workers’ movement.

Coming soon…