Programme Director, Deputy President Mike

General Secretary of COSATU, cde Solly

COSATU NOBs and Leadership of the CEC

RMA Group Executive: Social Insurance, Mr Thulani Sibeko and the entire team Comrades, and members of the media

Comrades, it is an honour to address you today at this historic launch of the COSATU Call Centre. Before we begin, let us take a moment to pay tribute to our forebears—the fearless leaders who gave birth to COSATU in 1985. President Elijah Barayi,John Gomomo, Chris Dlamini, mama Emma Mashinini, Ray Alexander, Lydia Komape-Ngwenya, Violet Sibone, Alina Rantsolase, Vuyisile Mini and many others whose sacrifices and dedication laid the foundation of this mighty Federation.

As COSATU turns 40 years old this year, we stand before their legacy with pride. We can report to them that their child has grown, that their dream of a united, worker-driven movement is alive and strong. Their struggles, sacrifices, and victories will never be erased. Instead, we will build upon their legacy, ensuring that the fight for workers’ rights continues for generations to come.

The idea of this call centre was first discussed last year between our General Secretary, Solly Phetoe, and RMA Group CEO, Mandla Shezi. Their vision was clear—to create a one-stop shop that provides immediate assistance to workers facing challenges, including employers who fail to pay pension fund and UIF contributions, delays in claiming benefits, and dissatisfaction with union services.

This call centre is a worker-centric initiative that will provide free assistance to all workers, whether unionised or not, in line with COSATU’s longstanding commitment to fight for and protect the rights of all workers. However, while the call centre will serve all workers, those who are not yet part of the movement will be encouraged to join COSATU-affiliated unions so we can continue growing our Federation and strengthening our collective voice.

We chose to launch the call centre during the Central Executive Committee meeting, one of COSATU’s highest governing structures, to ensure full leadership support and commitment from all affiliates. This is not an initiative that replaces the work of our affiliates, but rather one that strengthens their capacity to better serve workers.

RMA, as the administrator of Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COIDA), plays a critical role in assisting workers in mining, metal, and related industries with their claims. The integration of the call centre with RMA will ensure that calls requiring RMA’s intervention are transferred seamlessly, ensuring that workers do not struggle to access their benefits.

For too long, workers have suffered due to delays and inefficiencies in accessing the benefits they are legally entitled to. We have heard countless stories of mothers who return to work without receiving their maternity benefits, despite having applied on time. In some cases, their children are already walking, yet they have not received a single cent.

Workers queue at UIF offices for days, desperate for financial relief, only to be sent from pillar to post. Others wait years for compensation for occupational injuries and diseases. This must end! The true success of this call centre will be measured by the speed at which workers receive their benefits—on time, every time.

Beyond improving service delivery, this initiative must also serve as a union-building tool. A dedicated recruitment campaign must be linked to the call centre to ensure that we continue organising, uniting, and empowering workers. A strong labour movement is the backbone of worker protection, and we must use this opportunity to strengthen COSATU’s reach and impact.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the General Secretary, Solly Phetoe, as well as Comrades Jan Mahlangu, Donald, Thabo, Tsakani, and Mpho for their hard work in bringing this vision to life. Your dedication has made today’s launch possible, and we salute you for your efforts.

As we move forward, let us ensure that this call centre delivers tangible results—not just promises, but real victories for workers. This is more than a service; it is a commitment to justice, dignity, and fairness for every worker in South Africa.

With those words, it is my great pleasure to declare the COSATU Call Centre officially launched!

Amandla!