The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU)wishes the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) a successful 14th National Congress.
The Congress will take place from 26-29 September 2022 at The Gallagher Estate in Midrand under the theme, “Build working-class unity for economic liberation towards socialism”. The theme is a clear demonstration of the Federation’s continued commitment to its founding principles of uniting the working class and to being the formidable force for social transformation.
In line with the above, we expect the Congress to remind and commit affiliates of the Federation’s resolve on the one sector one union principle. Adhering to the principle will go a long way towards providing better and effective servicing of members.
The Congress is taking place at a time when the country is grappling with the impact of the deadly COVID 19 pandemic that saw many dying and thousands jobless. SADTU expects the Congress to hold frank and robust discussions on lessons learnt from the pandemic, the state of the economy as well as that of the Federation.
Since the last Congress of the Federation in 2018, we have seen an increase in the undermining of labour’s hard-fought gains – collective bargaining. As a union in the public service sector and a casualty of government’s undermining of collective bargaining, we are going to prioritise this at the Congress.
The undermining and destruction of collective bargaining by religiously following neo- liberal austerity measures has reproduced poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
Other issues SADTU will prioritise include:
· Gender Based Violence – focusing on the dignity of the girl child and women.
· Climate change with practical experiences of disasters in some parts of the country early this year.
· Provision of serviced land to all workers to allow them to build houses.
· The sanctions against Zimbabwe are affecting the working class of Zimbabwe and the entire SADC as opposed to the elites in Zimbabwe who continue to enjoy their lives.
SADTU hopes to see a strengthened and united COSATU emerging from the Congress.
Khula COSATU, khula!
ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat
CONTACT: General Secretary, Mugwena Maluleke: 082 783 2968
Deputy General Secretary, Nkosana Dolopi: 082 709 5651
Media Officer, Nomusa Cembi: 082 719 5157