The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Gauteng convened its first Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting of 2026 from 12 to 13 March, to receive and deliberate on reports covering the period from December 2025 to February 2026.

The PEC discussed, among other matters, organisational, international, socio-economic and political reports. In its general assessment, the PEC concluded that it met in a highly polluted political environment, compounded by a volatile and troubling geopolitical climate driven largely by the actions of the United States of America and Israel.

Organisationally, the PEC resolved to accelerate the implementation of COSATU campaigns, intensify the recruitment of new members, mobilise workers for the 2026 May Day celebrations to be held in Ekurhuleni, and rebuild solidarity among COSATU affiliates. The PEC concluded that all affiliates must immediately begin mobilisation for the 2026 May Day through general members’ meetings, affiliates’ shop stewards’ councils and community engagements.

Internationally, the PEC resolved that South Africa should begin exploring alternatives to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by strengthening relations with progressive countries that respect South Africa’s sovereignty. While acknowledging that jobs have been created through AGOA, the PEC concluded that South Africa cannot continue to seek international legitimacy from the United States at the expense of its sovereignty. The PEC further noted with concern the continued suffering of the people of eSwatini under the Tinkhundla system that primarily benefits the royal family, the ongoing oppression of Western Sahara, the continued economic embargo against Cuba, the continued bombing of Gaza, the kidnapping of the President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, and the escalating war against Iran that has created instability in the Middle East and will inevitably affect the economies of developing countries. The PEC therefore resolved to intensify solidarity campaigns with the peoples of Cuba, Palestine, Iran, Western Sahara and eSwatini.

The PEC further noted the deepening socio-economic hardship faced by the working class in the province, including rising unemployment, growing inequality and persistent poverty. It also raised concerns about infrastructure challenges in public health and education, the recent fatal scholar transport accidents, the slow pace in building schools in working-class communities, and the lack of sufficient activism by communities, trade unions and political formations around job creation. The PEC further expressed concern about issues relating to migration and immigration, the growth of informal settlements in corridors of development, and the safety of communities. These challenges require urgent and coordinated intervention by government, communities, business and organised labour. In response, the PEC resolved to convene the long-outstanding Provincial Socio-Economic Conference to bring together stakeholders committed to addressing the socio-economic conditions of the working class.

The PEC also received a comprehensive analysis of the State of the Province Address delivered by Premier Panyaza Lesufi. In its conclusion, the PEC resolved that the commitments contained in the G13+2 programme respond to the current service delivery needs of the people of Gauteng and, if effectively implemented, could significantly advance the fight against poverty, unemployment and inequality. The PEC further resolved to monitor the implementation of the SOPA commitments on a quarterly basis and to engage all Gauteng government departments with the aim of strengthening planning, implementation and accountability. Central to this process will be the collaboration between trade unions, workers and the Gauteng Provincial Government, support for change management within government, and the convening of the Provincial Labour Forum.

Politically, the PEC noted the evolving political environment in the province, particularly in relation to the convened ANC regional and provincial conferences. The PEC also acknowledged the important role played by SANCO in championing community and service delivery struggles, as well as the vanguard role of the SACP in defending the unity and strategic direction of the Alliance. The PEC reaffirmed that the unity of the Alliance remains sacrosanct and resolved that COSATU must actively work towards strengthening the unity of the ANC ahead of its Provincial Conference. The PEC further resolved to convene urgent bilateral engagements with SANCO and the SACP, advocate for the convening of the Alliance Political Council, and push for the long-outstanding Alliance Summit.

Issued by:
COSATU Gauteng Provincial Chairperson: Amos Monyela – 079 493 5002
Provincial Secretary: Louisah Modikwe – 066 182 2402 / 082 297 2659