Comrades, distinguished guests, and fellow South Africans,

As we draw this commemorative event to a close, I am filled with both

pride and a deep sense of responsibility. Today, we have reflected on the

legacy of SACTU, the spirit of the Freedom Charter, and the

revolutionary ideals that have sustained our trade union movement. We

have honoured the sacrifices of those who came before us, and we have

deepened our commitment to the ongoing struggles that lie ahead.

Commemorating 70 Years of SACTU: A Foundation for the Future

As we mark the 70th anniversary of SACTU, we are reminded of the

critical role this organization played in the fight for freedom and workers’

rights. For seven decades, SACTU’s legacy has remained steadfast in

its commitment to the values of solidarity, justice, and equality. We

honour the vision and sacrifices of our founding leaders, who laid the

foundation for the trade union movement we continue to build upon

today.

But as we celebrate our remarkable achievements, we must also

confront the harsh realities of our present situation. While we reflect on

our history, we must be honest about the state of the Alliance,

particularly that of the trade union movement and the challenges it faces

today.

The Current State of the Trade Union Movement

Today, many of our unions, particularly those in critical sectors such as

Road, Rail, Energy, ICT, Minerals, Petroleum, Aviation, and Ports, face

immense challenges. Several unions are teetering on the brink of

collapse, while others are struggling with dysfunction that weakens their

capacity to represent workers effectively.

Unions such as CWU and CEPPWAWU are suffering from internal

crises, leadership failures, and an erosion of trust with their members.

These sectors are vital to our national economy, yet they are under siege

from economic pressures, political fragmentation, and the collapse of

institutional structures. The weakening of these unions has profound

consequences—not only for workers but for the economy. We cannot

afford to let these unions deteriorate further. If we fail to rebuild and2

reassert their relevance, we risk deepening the vulnerabilities of our

workers and the broader economy.

The Challenges Brought by the Government of National Unity

(GNU)

The challenges we face, however, are not only internal to our movement

but also arise from the broader political landscape. The advent of the

Government of National Unity (GNU) has brought with it several

contradictions that have undermined the working class. The dominant

bourgeoisie class trajectory has shifted the focus of government policies

towards austerity measures, unwarranted structural adjustments, and

privatization— all of which have had a devastating impact on workers.

Under the guise of professionalization, we are witnessing the

corporatization of the state machinery, with the goal of collapsing state-

owned enterprises (SOEs). These strategic national assets are being

sold off at a fraction of their value, while workers are faced with massive

retrenchments and growing insecurity in their workplaces. The right-wing

and conservative forces are consolidating their grip on power, pushing

an agenda that primarily serves corporate interests, and putting workers

at risk.

This has resulted in a regression of both political, social, and economic

advances made over the past 30 years of our democratic breakthrough.

It is not merely a means to an end; nor should it be seen as the end

itself. The current trajectory is not irreversible. While it might seem like

the only path forward, we must actively push against these harmful

policies, reject the false promises of neoliberalism, and reclaim our

economic sovereignty.

In this context, “not a means to an end nor the end itself” is a clarion call

for us to assert the principles of justice, equality, and solidarity—the very

ideals that laid the foundation for a democratic South Africa. We must

ensure that the struggle for a just society continues, requiring constant

vigilance, unity, and collective action from all progressive forces.

Uniting Workers and Civil Society Against the Onslaught

Now, more than ever, it is crucial for workers and civil society to unite in

the face of this onslaught. We stand at a critical juncture where our3

collective action can either secure a future for our children and future

generations or condemn them to a life of increasing inequality and

poverty.

It is not just about defending our jobs; it is about saving humanity and

the very idea of sustainable development. We must come together to

reject the neoliberal policies being pushed forward by the ruling class.

We must unite to protect the right to work, reclaim our SOEs, and

demand a just and inclusive economy.

Back to Basics: Strengthening COSATU and Its Federation

The key to ensuring our success in these battles lies in strengthening

COSATU and its affiliated unions. This means returning to the basics:

democratic, worker-controlled union structures. We must rebuild trust

with our members, ensuring that every affiliate, regardless of sector,

operates with full accountability and commitment to the workers’ needs.

We must continue to organize the unorganized, pushing back against

the forces that seek to divide and weaken us. The Back-to-Basics

campaign we have launched is more important than ever. It is a call for

unity and solidarity, for strengthening our base, and for focusing on the

fundamentals that made COSATU a powerful force for change.

The Future: A Renewed Commitment to Solidarity and Struggle

As we approach the 40th anniversary of COSATU later this year, we

reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the principles of solidarity,

worker control, and economic justice. We are not just defending workers’

rights; we are fighting for the very soul of our society—the values of

equality, justice, and democracy.

The coming months and years will be difficult, but they will also be a time

for renewed resistance. We must stand together and continue to build a

movement capable of fighting back against the forces that seek to strip

away our rights and undermine our dignity.

In Conclusion

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has a storied

history in the fight for workers’ rights and social justice in South Africa.

Established in 1985, COSATU unified various unions to present a4

collective force against the apartheid regime. Its formation was driven by

the need for workers to organize and confront both the oppressive

government policies and the growing power of the bourgeoisie class.

Despite these challenges, COSATU has remained steadfast in upholding

its core values of non-racialism, worker control, and representation. Over

the years, the federation has played a pivotal role in shaping South

Africa’s labour movement, advocating for policies that advance the rights

of workers and marginalized communities.

A key initiative in COSATU’s strategy has been the Back-to-Basics

campaign, aimed at revitalizing the federation’s founding principles and

reinforcing its ties with workers and local communities. This campaign is

essential for addressing the current challenges faced by unions,

especially in critical sectors, and ensuring that COSATU stays a powerful

and relevant voice in South African politics.

Throughout its existence, COSATU has remained committed to social

justice and workers’ rights. As it continues to navigate the evolving

political and economic landscape of South Africa, its dedication to these

fundamental principles remains unwavering.

In Closing

In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each one of you for

your presence and commitment today. Your solidarity is what

strengthens this movement, and together, we can weather these storms.

We must remember that this event is not just about honouring the past. It

is about shaping our future. The struggles ahead are daunting, but

together, we will rise to meet them, united in our vision for a better South

Africa for all.

Thank you, and long live SACTU!