The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in KwaZulu-Natal convened a Special Provincial Executive Committee (SPEC) meeting on Thursday, 25 September 2025.
The purpose of the meeting was to finalise the programme of action for the International Day for Decent Work on 7 October, in which COSATU nationally will embark on a protected strike. The meeting also deliberated on activities marking the 40th Anniversary of COSATU and the 80th Anniversary of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU).
On the Madlanga Commission
The SPEC expressed deep concern about the revelations emerging from the Madlanga Commission. COSATU KZN calls on all those implicated to come out clearly on these very serious allegations, particularly those relating to the political killings and other matters.
For years, COSATU has consistently called for drastic measures against political killings, crime and corruption, which overwhelmingly affect poor and working-class communities. We trust that the Commission will act with urgency, ensure that the law takes its course, and guarantee that those found guilty face real consequences. This is consistent with the call COSATU has made for the implementation of the Zondo Commission outcomes.
On the National Strike and Workers’ Struggles
COSATU KZN will actively participate in the protected national strike on 7 October. The strike will highlight the severe challenges facing workers and communities, including:
- Worsening living conditions and deepening poverty,
- Rampant employer non-compliance with labour laws,
- Exploitation and retrenchments driven by mass company liquidations,
- Rising unemployment and growing inequality.
- The rampant corruption in government, private sector and SOEs.
- Intensification of the fight against neoliberal austerity measures that cripple service delivery and block the filling of vacancies in the public service
Ahead of the strike, COSATU KZN has sought a meeting with the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal on 2 October to receive progress reports on the 2024 Memorandum, update on the investigations into the school nutrition programme and the resignation of the DG in the Office of the Premier on allegations on youth funding mismanagement.
We will also intensify engagement with the institutions such as CCMA, whose mandate is to promote social justice and protect employment at the workplace.
COSATU is alarmed by cases such as that of a union leader whose matter has dragged on for three years after being dismissed for claims that he referred to his employer as “amaqili.”, and many other cases and delays. These undermine confidence in the CCMA. We demand a transparent assessment and review of CCMA work.
The Federation will also take up the plight of municipal workers and COGTA who are ill-treated, face delayed salary payments, experience poor working conditions and unfair dismissals. There must be accountability on our COSATU memorandum that was submitted to eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in 2024.\
On COSATU’s 40th Anniversary
The SPEC emphasized that COSATU’s 40th Anniversary is not merely a celebration, but a moment of reflection and renewal — to return to basics, draw lessons from the past, and build stronger worker unity. The anniversary must consolidate mass power, deepen the struggle for the workers’ rights, and improved livelihoods of all South Africans. COSATU in the province will fully participate in this critical moment of our struggle.
On the 80th Anniversary of WFTU
On 3 October, COSATU KZN will join the global working-class movement in marking the 80th Anniversary of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU). The SPEC resolved on a programme that includes demonstrations across workplaces and COSATU locals.
The mobilization programme includes:
- A Provincial Shop Stewards Council and a Memorial Lecture on 30 September at the Durban Playhouse.
- Workplace general meetings, Local Shop Stewards Councils, Red Fridays, and engagements with stakeholders such as civic movements, taxi associations, e-hailing and platform workers’ organizations, religious leaders, traditional leaders, the mass democratic movement, sister federations etc.
On 7 October, decentralized demonstrations will be held in affiliates’ workplaces and locals, alongside a major march in Durban from King Dinuzulu Park to City Hall (via Dr. Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Street), where a Memorandum will be handed to government, SOEs, and employers.
We call on all workers to support and participate in these struggles and campaigns.
We call on communities to stand in solidarity with workers.
We call on employers to respect South Africa’s labour laws and improve conditions for workers.
COSATU KZN remains unwavering in its commitment to defend workers, fight for social justice, and build a society free of exploitation, corruption, and inequality.
Issued by COSATU KwaZulu Natal
Provincial Secretary
Edwin Mkhize
Mobile: 082 399 7756 / 076 522 8839
