The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) will hold its Central Committee from 15 to 18 September at the Anew OR Tambo Hotel in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, under the theme, “Building Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation Towards Socialism”.

More than 400 delegates comprising the leadership of the Federation and its Affiliates, shop stewards and workers from across the country and various sectors will gather to deliberate on policy and organisational challenges and solutions as COSATU prepares to hold its elective Congress in September 2026.

COSATU President Zingiswa Losi will deliver the opening address prior to the Central Committee receiving messages of support from ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa, and South African Communist Party General Secretary, Solly Mapaila, and South African National Civic Organisation General Secretary, Mike Soko.

The Central Committee convenes at a time when the country faces grim economic prospects with unemployment at a crisis level of 42.9%, and youth unemployment at more than 72%. The country is plagued by widening inequality, worsening poverty levels, entrenched crime and corruption, not to mention struggling public and municipal services.

Meantime the full impact of the 30% tariffs imposed on South African exports to the US is yet to be felt even as major employers such Glencore and ArcelorMittal intend to retrench workers.  

Gains worth noting, on the other hand, include the National Minimum Wage which has increased by 44% since inception in 2019. The Two-Pot Pension system which came into effect on 1 September 2024 and has put R60 billion into the hands of more than 3,5 million workers struggling with debt.

Issued by COSATU

Zanele Sabela (COSATU National Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 or 077 600 6639
Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za