The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) congratulates its stalwart affiliate, the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) on its historic 37th anniversary.
NEHAWU was founded on 27 and 28 June 1987 and was subjected to some of the most brutal repression by the then apartheid regime, which correctly perceived of the union as a direct challenge to its control of the public service.
It survived and thrived, and its fighting spirit has never been crushed. It has continued to wage working class struggles, including the decision to expand the fight beyond the workplace and involve workers in the battle for democracy.
NEHAWU has firmly established itself as a champion of workers across the public service and health sector as well as higher education institutions.
It has won impressive victories from Insourcing workers at universities to the permanent employment of community health workers in various provinces. It has led nationwide struggles in support of the National Health Insurance as well as comprehensive social security.
NEHAWU has continued its fighting tradition when it stood firm against the 6th Administration’s attempts to undermine collective bargaining by reneging on the last leg of the signed 2018 wage settlement.
It has been reliable pillar of the Federation at all levels and a champion of a reconfigured Alliance biased towards the working class. It remains a formidable agent for socialism and is guided at all times by working class principles. NEHAWU has campaigned on the ground in Defence of the National Democratic Revolution and to ensure the African National Congress emerged victorious at each election since the democratic breakthrough of 1994.
It’s beliefs in international solidarity have been globally recognised with its leadership’ election to strategic roles in the World Federation of Trade Unions.
COSATU is proud of its militant affiliate and wishes it another 37 years of relentless struggle in defence of the rights of the working class.
Issued by COSATU
For more information please contact:
Zanele Sabela(COSATU National Spokesperson)
Cell: 079 287 5788
Email: zanele@cosatu.org.za