COSATU CSI initiative prioritises pupils in flood-and GBV-ravaged communities  

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is set to do its bit part in restoring dignity to pupils in flood-and GBV-ravaged communities in three provinces.

Following its second successful annual Charity Golf Challenge in December, COSATU will head to Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape this coming Saturday, 21 February, to donate school shoes and dignity bags to learners.

Starting in 2024, COSATU has hosted a Charity Golf Challenge bringing together COSATU leaders, government officials and business partners on the golf course to help raise funds for its activities, school shoes and dignity bags for underprivileged learners. Every swing contributed to changing a child’s school experience and enhancing their confidence and wellbeing. In the true spirit of Ubuntu, President Cyril Ramaphosa supported the cause and joined in the merriment on both years.

The communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga were selected for donations following the devasting floods they suffered early this year, while the Eastern Cape community was chosen due to the scourge of gender-based violence that has pervaded it. Educators, pupils and parents have been invited to handover events across the three provinces as follows:

Province:                      Limpopo

Venue:                            Masiza High School Sports Grounds, Mbaula, Giyani

Recipients from:       Nyiko Primary School and Masiza High School             

Date:                                21 February 2026      

Starting Time:             11am

Province:                      Eastern Cape

Venue:                            Jumba Senior Secondary School Hall, Mqhekezweni, Mthatha

Recipients from:       Jumba Senior Secondary School

Date:                                21 February 2026

Starting Time:             11am

Province:                      Mpumalanga

Venue:                            Sidlemu Primary School Hall, Nkomazi

Recipients from:       Silindokuhle Special School and Mphoti Primary School

Date:                                21 February 2026

Starting Time:             11am

COSATU President, Zingiswa Losi, has been spearheading this flagship initiative and will be at the Limpopo handover along with General Secretary, Solly Phetoe. The Federation’s 2nd Deputy President, Duncan Luvuno, and Deputy General Secretary, Gerald Twala are headed to the Eastern Cape. While 1st Deputy President, Mike Shingange, and National Treasurer, Freda Oosthuysen, will be in Mpumalanga.   

In preparation for the handover, COSATU has received lists from schools detailing the correct shoe size and gender of each recipient to avoid any mishaps. Each child will also receive a COSATU branded school bag with hygiene products including a washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, roll-on, lotion and sanitary pads for girls.

The Federation is sincerely grateful to its partners and stakeholders, including the golfers, for their continued support of this vital initiative.  

Issued by COSATU

Zanele Sabela (COSATU Spokesperson)

Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639

Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za