Solly Phetoe’s journey from the farming area of Broederstroom to becoming COSATU’s General Secretary is a story of unwavering dedication and tireless work. Growing up in a rural setting, Phetoe moved to Skeerport to live with his grandmother after losing his father. His education started locally, with primary school and then Kleifontein near Brits, before finishing Matric at Hans Kekana High School in Hammanskraal.

Eager to learn more, Phetoe pursued Business Leadership and Management at Eden College in Braamfontein. He furthered his skills with a Certificate in Dispute Resolution Procedures and Organising Skills from DITSELA and completed Computer Studies through Ambassador Training and Development.

His activism began during his school years under the harsh Bophuthatswana regime, which sparked his passion for fighting oppression. Phetoe started his career at Firestone in 1982 as a machine operator, joining the Metal and Allied Workers Union (MAWU) before its merger into National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA). His roles included Shop Steward, full-time Shop Steward in the tyre industry, and national negotiator, showing his commitment to worker rights and solidarity.

Phetoe’s influence reached beyond the factory. As a branch secretary with the Action Committee, he played a crucial role in the unbanning of the ANC during the 1980s and fought for the rights of poor communities and farmworkers, opposing their forced incorporation into Bophuthatswana.

In 2000, Phetoe took on the role of provincial organiser with the South African Democratic Teachers Union, and by 2003, he was elected provincial secretary of COSATU North West province, a role he held until 2015. His leadership continued as Deputy General Secretary from 2015 and then as COSATU General Secretary starting in September 2022. He has been instrumental in representing COSATU on the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) Standards Governing Body, overseeing Recognition of Prior Learning Policies, and ensuring Occupational Health and Safety compliance.

Solly Phetoe has also been a key player in developing and implementing various training manuals for organisers and shop stewards on essential union work. His contributions include training on the Labour Relations Act (LRA), Skills Development Act (SDA), and Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), helping to equip union members with crucial knowledge and skills.

Phetoe’s leadership has been evident in various roles, including Deputy Chairperson of the Tyre Training Board and revitalising the Brits COSATU Local during his long tenure as chairperson.

Phetoe continues to make significant contributions, including serving on the Minimum Wage Commission and various alliance structures with the ANC and SACP.

Solly Phetoe’s career is a testament to his resilience, leadership, and commitment to worker rights and social justice in South Africa.