The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] in KwaZulu-Natal wishes its federation, the Congress of South African Trade Unions [COSATU], a successful 2nd Provincial Gender Conference commencing today, the 18th of March 2025 at Royal Hotel, Durban and the 15th Provincial Congress which will be convened on the 19th – 20th of March 2025 at Durban Exhibition Centre, Durban.

The 2nd Provincial Gender Conference and 15th Provincial Congress are convened under the theme: ” Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism”. 

As NEHAWU, we expect the Gender Conference, to practically consolidate the struggle for the NDR which seeks to address gender, race and class oppression. It’s important that this struggle be led by the bulk of the oppressed-women. Women should be empowered to challenge the system of patriarchy.

The conference must come up with resolutions on workplace gender activities and campaigns as necessary mechanisms in empowering and developing women, creating conditions for the election of female shop stewards to shape the gender programme for the trade union movement.

We further wish for a congress that will be highly characterised by in-depth analysis on the State of our National Democratic Revolution and robust deliberations to strengthen the ability of COSATU to be a militant, fighting and a campaigning federation for workers’ demands in all sectors and in the struggles for the working class in general.

The congress must resolve on campaigns that must be wedged in defence and protection of collective bargaining , high cost of living and the rights of workers. The defence of these rights is based on a principle understanding that workers have fought and sacrificed their lives for those rights.

NEHAWU will play its role through discussions and lobbying affiliates of the federation to ensure that COSATU emerges more united, stronger and capable of representing all workers of this province along their interests and aspirations particularly in collective bargaining, workers’ rights and creating conducive working environment recognising the critical role workers are playing at the point of service.

Forward with the Unity of COSATU Forward!!!

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Issued by NEHAWU KwaZulu-Natal Secretariat Office

For more information, please contact: Ayanda Zulu (Provincial Secretary) at 081 758 5199 or email: Ayandaz@nehawu.org.za or Ntokozo Nxumalo (Provincial Deputy Secretary) at 0815255983 or email: Ntokozo@Nehawu.org.za