The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Committee, PEC met on 11 June 2026 to assess the prevailing political, organizational, socio-economic and international situation. Among the key issues discussed was the deepening Cost of Living Crisis and its devastating impact on workers, the unemployed, the poor and their families.
As we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the June 16 Uprising, we honour the courage, sacrifice and revolutionary spirit of the youth of 1976 who stood against oppression and fought for freedom, equality and human dignity. Their struggle reminds us that the fight for social justice, economic transformation and a better life for all remains unfinished. Indeed, the future of freedom lives in every generation.
The PEC noted with concern that its meeting took place amidst a deepening global capitalist crisis characterised by escalating geopolitical conflicts, militarisation, economic instability and continued attacks on progressive governments. The consequences of these crises are borne disproportionately by workers and the poor through rising living costs, unemployment, inequality and the erosion of social protections.
The PEC further observed that South Africa continues to face a severe socio-economic crisis marked by mass unemployment, deepening poverty, widening inequality, deteriorating public services and persistent governance failures. These conditions are fuelling frustration among working-class communities, undermining confidence in democratic institutions and creating fertile ground for populist and reactionary forces. This reality demands stronger organisation, greater unity and a more militant working-class movement.
As COSATU, we recognise that one of the greatest dangers confronting the working class is the fragmentation of progressive forces and the weakening of ideological clarity within the revolutionary movement. The tasks of defending and advancing the National Democratic Revolution, strengthening working-class unity and building a powerful mass democratic movement remain as urgent as ever.
The PEC fully commits itself to campaign against the escalating Cost of Living Crisis, which continues to place an unbearable burden on workers, the unemployed, pensioners, grant recipients and poor households. Continuous increases in fuel prices have triggered higher costs of food, transport, electricity, housing, healthcare, education and other basic necessities. As a result, millions of working-class families are being pushed deeper into poverty, debt, hunger and insecurity.
The Cost of Living Crisis is not only an economic challenge but has become a social and psychosocial crisis. Workers are experiencing increasing levels of stress, anxiety and mental exhaustion as they struggle to provide for their families under worsening conditions. Trade unions must therefore remain at the forefront of defending workers’ livelihoods, dignity and well-being.
Workers are expected to carry the burden of an economy that continues to enrich a few while, wages stagnate and the cost of basic necessities rises relentlessly. COSATU cannot remain silent while workers are forced to choose between food, transport, electricity and other basic needs.
The PEC therefore calls for urgent interventions by government and all social partners to:
– Reduce the burden of fuel price increases on workers and the poor.
– Intensify measures to stabilise and reduce food prices.
– Expand affordable and accessible public transport.
– Protect workers’ wages and collective bargaining gains against inflation.
– Accelerate job creation and industrial development programmes.
– Strengthen social protection measures for vulnerable households.
– Improve the quality and accessibility of public services, including healthcare, education and housing.
The PEC calls upon all workers, communities, progressive organisations and working-class formations to unite behind this campaign and intensify the struggle against poverty, inequality, unemployment and the rising Cost of Living.
COSATU KwaZulu-Natal commits itself to ensuring the success of the National Day of Action through mass mobilisation, pickets and demonstrations across all districts and locals in the province.
The main provincial programme will take place as follows:
Date: Friday, 19 June 2026
Time: 10h00
Venue: Marine Building, Government Offices
The PEC calls on all COSATU structures, affiliates, shop stewards, activists and workers to join the programme and participate in their maximum numbers. As workers we want to send a clear message that workers will not continue to carry the burden of a crisis they did not create.
Issued by COSATU KwaZulu Natal
For Enquiries: Edwin Mkhize (Provincial Secretary)
082 399 7756 / 076 522 8839
edwin@cosatu.org.za