Shine

By Zanele Sabela

Look out World, here comes Nox!

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is beaming with pride after its Deputy International Secretary, Noxolo Siphilile Bhengu, was recognised with an award in the Politics and Governance category, at this year’s Mail and Guardian Power of Women.

The M&G Power of Women recognises change-makers who have excelled above and beyond expectation in the growth and development of the nation, in a time of great uncertainty. Our very own ‘Nox’, as she is affectionately known, shared her category with ANC Treasurer-General, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, and political analyst Asanda Ngoasheng.

At COSATU, Noxolo’s job involves advancing international solidarity in the labour movement and driving policies that protect and enhance workers’ rights globally. Among her work highlights, Noxolo counts being convenor and coordinator of the BRICS Trade Union Forum held in Durban in September 2023. Ms Bhengu was also advisor to the workers’ delegation at the 112th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva in June 2024.

Noxolo’s commitment to internationalism and labour rights is at the heart of her professional and academic pursuits. Her rich academic background that includes a BA in Political Science from UKZN; an Honours in International Relations from the same institution; ongoing studies towards a Bachelor of Laws at UNISA. She is also pursuing a Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management at MANCOSA with research interests in African Security, International Law, Multilateralism, and Foreign Policy. Noxolo has also received training in “Strengthening Active Participation of Trade Unions in the ILO Supervisory Mechanism.”

Unionism, however, is in her blood. Nox’s dedication to workers’ rights and social justice began in her early teenage years when she would accompany her mother, a shop steward in the teachers’ union, to workers’ meetings.

“At the time I was excited by comrades singing. Little did I know, that is what I would grow up to become,” she says smiling.

Noxolo’s other roles include:

  • SASCO Umgungundlovu Regional Secretary (2013-2015)
  • Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (2014)
  • Member of the NEHAWU Harry Gwala Region International Relations Committee (2013-2016)
  • NEHAWU Young Workers Task Team (2022)
  • NEHAWU International Relations Committee (2016-2022)
  • Current member of the ANCWL International Committee
  • COSATU International Relations Committee – (current)

Favourite quote: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi.    

Amandla!


COSATU’s bright star keeps shining

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is beyond proud that Social Development Policy Coordinator, Boitumelo Molete, is one of the nominees in the Sunday World Heroic Women 2024.

Boitumelo is the co-lead on Climate Change and Just Transition in the Federation’s Policy Unit, and makes her presence felt as organised labour representative at Nedlac and within the Nedlac Development Chamber.

Tumi, as she is affectionately known, has also been COSATU’s technical and strategic representative at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP). A member of the UNEP Green Jobs for Youth Pact Advisory Group, she was the South African delegate at the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum. Tumi is also an active participant in the Presidency’s Just Energy Transition Advisory Board. 

In June this year Boitumelo was named one of the prestigious Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans for her role as a climate activist.

“I am extremely honoured and appreciative,” Tumi says of her nomination in this year’s Heroic Women awards.

“As a young woman from Soweto, the odds were really not in my favour in terms of making my life a success. I am privileged to have been given the opportunity to study further, which has empowered me to access employment opportunities,” she adds.  

Boitumelo is currently studying a BA Honours in Industrial Sociology at the University of South Africa. Other qualifications under her belt include a Post Graduate Diploma in Labour Law from the University of Johannesburg, Leadership Development from University of Pretoria’s Enterprise and a certificate from the Global Workers’ Academy on Just Transition and Green Jobs.

The Federation is clearly lucky to have Tumi within its ranks and cannot wait to see what the young leader will do next.  

“I am passionate about my work and as an advocate for workers, gender and the youth I am honoured to represent and speak on behalf of the people who are closest to my heart,” she says.

Amandla!