The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) notes the outcomes of the SADC Heads of States Summit held from 16 to 17 August in the City of eThekwini (Durban). 

The Federation recalls that SADC from its predecessor (SADCC) was established as the premier regional force constituted as the frontline states movement, that eventually defeated apartheid and colonialism in our region. It was born of the people and workers of the region who faced subjugation, racism, inequalities, poverty and oppression of varying kinds. 

It is in this context that we wish to remind the regional body of its primary obligations to its people at all material times. To this end, the Federation is disappointed that while the Summit correctly tackled the urgent issue of industrialisation, it failed to confront the even more pressing issue of democratic governance in most countries of the region.

The region is held back by failing governance, lack of accountability and disregard for the rights of the people.

From the crisis of poverty and unemployment to the crisis of migration and hunger, the people and workers of the region are facing a deepening crisis, human insecurity and starvation wages, resulting from a failing regional political and economic architecture.

The Federation and sister organisations from the region have consistently affirmed the four fundamental priorities the region should focus on to improve the conditions of the people and workers of the region. These being:

1. Democratic Governance, the rule of law and accountability

2. Industrialisation and Job creation for Inclusive economic development

3. Social Justice, gender equality and respect for human rights by all countries 

4. Climate justice, land access, and food sovereignty

The lack of accountability by leaders has led to the deepening crises, instability, impunity and total disregard for the lives of the people of the region.  

All countries in the region must take responsibility and account for the conditions their citizens find themselves in order for the region as a whole to ensure all its people enjoy basic freedoms, rights and economic opportunities.  

This includes our growing concern that according to the ILO Report of the Committee of Experts, 2026, two SADC states have been found in ultra violation of the core Convention 87. These being Eswatini and Mozambique. 

This happens when the ICJ (International Court of Justice) has ruled that Convention 87 and its provisions are fundamental to workers and human rights in general. 

SADC remains elusive and deadly silent on its unfinished job in dealing with its own findings regarding the June 2021 uprising protests killings in Eswatini. The Mswati regime must be held accountable and referred to the relevant international and regional institutions for consequences. 

Accountability means confronting the truth for justice to be served to the people and workers who perished, whose families still haven’t found closure. 

In a new, democratic and inclusive Southern Africa, such behaviour should have no space and be condemned by all members of the regional community. 

Further, SADC should reject the unconstitutional change of term limits by governments. To this end, the Zimbabwe precedent is dangerous to democracy and the rule of law in the region.

The cancer of corruption and greed by ruling elites in every SADC country requires collective determination and resolve. 

To this end, we are saddened by the shocking findings of the SADC Board of Auditors Report into the finances and governing affairs of the regional body. 

We call for more decisive consequences to demonstrate resoluteness and determination to deal with abuse of public finances and lack of accountability for their use. 

We call on all the people of our region to mobilise against the common threat to our struggle for democracy and inclusive development, by building unity across the region and in each country against oppression, injustice, poverty and corruption.

As South Africa assumes its Chairpersonship of this important regional body, COSATU expresses its desire to remain an active partner in pursuit of these priorities and interests of workers guided by the founding treaty of SADC and our own resolutions. 

Issued by COSATU 

 Bongani Masuku

International Secretary at

Mobile: 079 4996 419

Email: bongani@cosatu.org.za

OR 

Zanele Sabela (COSATU Spokesperson)

Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639

Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za