PRETORIA – The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) wishes the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) a successful 15th National Congress, which will run between 14 and 17 September 2026 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.
In line with the congress’ theme, *“Building a militant, revolutionary labour movement and strengthening anti-imperialist working-class unity to defend jobs and advance socialism,”* DENOSA anticipates the federation to reflect and resolve at this workers’ parliament on key pertinent issues that affect the working conditions of the workers in the workplace, such as:
– Fighting for access to quality healthcare for all South Africans.
– Insourcing of key services like security into the healthcare sector.
– Austerity measures, which have seen the freezing of posts in key public service and private sectors.
– Privatization of essential and strategic public service entities.
– The continued undermining of the collective bargaining agreements.
– Cushioning the workers against the rising costs of living, including fuel and energy costs.
– Fighting unemployment in both private and public economic sectors.
– Campaigning for public infrastructure spending.
– Fighting labour brokers.
A DENOSA delegation will join the workers from different economic sectors at the workers’ parliament, to express the views of the workers in clinics, hospitals, colleges and universities on the various shortages in healthcare general and specialist workforce, ageing nursing population in the country, shortages in medicals and other essential resources.
Workers in the public sector have endured the most punitive forms of exploitation as a result of the continued budget cuts, which have resulted in burnout, exhaustion, depression and low morale amongst workers.
In spite of the stated challenges above, however, the same healthcare workers and their selfless dedication have brought about improved healthcare outcomes for the country, which have seen a steady increase in life expectancy for South Africans by 3 to 4 years over the last five years to 65.5 years. The healthcare workers have also ensured that the country has a well-managed HIV/AIDS disease burden, a steady fight against TB disease and other diseases burden.
Key to the congress will also be the need to defend and consolidate the gains that have been registered in defence of the workers against the onslaught of the capitalist economic system, especially key legislative and socio-economic gains such as:
– Sustained increase to Minimum Wage.
– National Health Insurance (NHI).
– Implementation of the Two-Pot Retirement System.
– Expansion of employee Protections and Benefits.
– Key shop floor court victories won on behalf of workers.
End.
Issued by the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA)
For more information, contact:
Sibongiseni Delihlazo, DENOSA National Spokesperson
Mobile: 060 602 8395.