The Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (SACTWU) notes the recent media reports and public commentary concerning the long-running litigation involving SACTWU Investments Group (SIG) and entities associated with the Sekunjalo group.

On 3 August 2026, the Constitutional Court considered an application for leave to appeal brought by Sekunjalo Independent Media (Pty) Ltd and Sekunjalo Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd against the judgment of the Supreme Court of Appeal.

The Constitutional Court refused the application with costs.

This follows the unanimous judgment of the Supreme Court of Appeal delivered on 26 March 2026, which upheld SIG’s claim and overturned the earlier High Court decision.

SACTWU welcomes the finality brought about by the Constitutional Court’s decision.

For SACTWU, this matter has never been about personalities, media battles or competing public narratives. It has always been about protecting assets belonging to a worker-controlled investment vehicle and ensuring proper accountability for substantial sums invested on behalf of working people.

The courts have now spoken decisively:

The Supreme Court of Appeal carefully considered the facts and legal issues before it and delivered a detailed judgment in favour of SACTWU and SIG.

The Constitutional Court has now refused leave to appeal, thereby bringing the litigation to finality.

SACTWU therefore regards the legal issues which formed the subject matter of the litigation as settled.

While others may continue to advance alternative interpretations in the media, SACTWU believes it is appropriate to respect the final decisions of South Africa’s courts and the rule of law.

Contrary to suggestions that SACTWU has pursued unnecessary litigation, it is worth noting that the Constitutional Court proceedings arose from an application brought by the Sekunjalo parties, seeking to overturn the judgment of the Supreme Court of Appeal.

SACTWU’s role was to defend a judgment already obtained in its favour.

The union remains proud of the principled stance it adopted throughout these proceedings and of its commitment to safeguarding resources entrusted to it by workers.

It is also important to note that the objective of these proceedings has always been the recovery of monies owed to us.

Despite the passage of many years, SIG has been compelled to pursue legal remedies in order to enforce its rights and recover funds due to it. The amounts due, as confirmed by the courts, remain outstanding.

SACTWU and SIG will therefore continue to take all appropriate steps to give effect to the judgments of the courts and to pursue the recovery of monies due to us.

Having secured legal finality in this matter, SACTWU’s primary focus remains the defence of jobs, the advancement of workers’ rights, the provision of social support benefits, and attending to the organisational servicing needs of its members.

Issued by

BONITA LOUBSER – SACTWU GENERAL SECRETARY

For enquiries contact:

ETIENNE VLOK – SACTWU NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL POLICY OFFICER

082 448 0506