The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) pays tribute to the women of all races who marched to Union Buildings on this day in 1956 to protest pass laws, and who proved unequivocally that people do not have to submit to unbearable circumstances that are imposed on them, that if they come together and raise their voices, they can change the course of history.
As COSATU prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary on 6 December at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto, we are reminded of the how women leaders made sure that the unique challenges faced by women on the shopfloor were made an integral part of the wider workers’ struggle. In fact, a key aspect of COSATU Workers’ Charter campaign in the late 1980s, whose aim was to ensure that workers’ rights and demands were included in the new constitution after apartheid, was the inclusion of women’s demands to address their unique set of challenges.
The eradication of all forms of discrimination against women in the workplace was among the demands. So was the participation of women at leadership and all levels of government, trade unions, political parties, and all other mass organisations; along with the opposition of all forms of male chauvinism both inside and outside the home. The charter was also adamant that all adults would have the right to work and that a minimum wage should be set down.
Now, nearly four decades later, COSATU boasts hard-won victories including paid maternity and parental leave, equal pay for equal work, a National Minimum Wage (NMW) that has lifted 6 million workers out of poverty, the majority of whom are women and vulnerable. The Code of Good Practice on Sexual Harassment ensures that both employers and employees are aware of their rights and the correct procedures to follow when incidents arise. Women occupy leadership roles across key institutions in society including at COSATU itself, Parliament, government and the judiciary.
Clearly, we have made progress under government led by the African National Congress since 1994, but we still have substantial challenges to overcome. We were beyond shocked to find out that more than 31 years since the democratic breakthrough, women mineworkers have been subjected to strip searches at Kopanang Gold Mine. This happened even though mining houses are counted among employers who are most keenly aware of the country’s health and safety legislation.
Enforcement of the NMW remains a challenge even as right-wing organisations falsely claim that its implementation has led to the staggering rate of unemployment in the country and many employers refusing to comply. However, despite being dangerously high at 43.1%, the unemployment rate amongst women clocked at a terrifying 47% in the first quarter of 2025.
Whilst great strides have been made to build a public service representative of society, and one where women can reach the most senior of positions, the same cannot be said of the private sector, where senior management remains male and pale nor of the JSE where women shareholders are a minority.
Whilst we found the details emanating from the sexual harassment case judges’ secretary, Andiswa Mengo, brought against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge, cringeworthy – considering his position, we must ask – who is guarding the guardians?
More harrowing are the pervasive cases of gender-based violence and femicide that dominate headlines despite the country’s legal efforts to tackle this scourge. As a society we must do more to ensure that the brutal murders of Olerato Mongale, Likhona Fose and Jayden-Lee Meek do not become commonplace. We must ensure that the country’s criminal legislation is utilised fully to protect women, children and other vulnerable persons. Law enforcement and related institutions must be appropriately resourced to ensure that perpetrators are caught, prosecuted and imprisoned.
There is no doubt that women have made progress since 1956 and since the formation of COSATU but significantly more needs to be done to ensure they can claim their stake as equal partners in the country’s future.
Issued by COSATU
Zanele Sabela (COSATU National Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 or 077 600 6639
Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za
