The Provincial Executive Committee of COSATU in KwaZulu-Natal convened on the 20th of April 2026 at a critical historical conjuncture marked by deepening global and domestic crisis. The PEC reflected on the intensification of capitalist contradictions, the growing offensive of imperialism, and the urgent tasks facing the working class and progressive forces.
Global Political and Economic Developments
The PEC noted with grave concern the current global situation, characterised by heightened imperialist aggression manifesting through wars, economic coercion, regime change agendas, and the continued undermining of national sovereignty.
The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, alongside attacks on progressive governments globally and the continued oppression of the Palestinian people, represent a serious threat not only to affected regions but to humanity as a whole.
The PEC further noted the recent ceasefire in the USA/Israel–Iran conflict. While this development may appear positive, the Federation views it as a temporary pause in inter-imperialist tensions rather than a genuine resolution.
These conflicts remain fundamentally driven by competition over resources, trade routes, and geopolitical dominance. For the working class, even temporary ceasefires bring little relief. Instead, these tensions have already triggered volatility in global oil markets, leading to fuel price increases in South Africa and worsening the cost-of-living crisis, particularly in provinces such as ours, KwaZulu-Natal.
Domestic Political Situation and Threats to Sovereignty
The PEC expressed concern that global challenges are compounded by internal weaknesses within the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM) and South African society at large. South Africa continues to face deliberate attempts by counter-revolutionary forces to exploit internal divisions. These include organisations such as AfriForum and Solidarity, as well as sections of the opposition, who seek to distort reality, undermine transformation, and defend apartheid-era privilege.
The PEC reaffirmed that these actions form part of a broader agenda aimed at delegitimising the democratic state and reversing the gains of liberation and the National Democratic Revolution (NDR). As, COSATU we emphasise the urgent need for unity in defence of national sovereignty, democracy, and the historic gains of the liberation struggle.
Economic Crisis and Cost of Living
The PEC reaffirmed that the South African economy remains trapped in a structural crisis characterised by, mass unemployment exceeding 40%, deepening inequality, deindustrialisation and informalisation, and rising cost of living
The recent fuel price increases, driven by global instability, are worsening transport costs, food prices, and household debt. COSATU KwaZulu-Natal welcomed the Federation’s national campaign against the escalating cost of living and committed to full mobilisation of workers and communities to ensure maximum participation and impact.
Economic Transformation and Sovereignty
The PEC reiterated that political freedom without economic transformation is incomplete. It resolved to intensify pressure on the democratic state to transform ownership and control of natural resources to benefit the people as a whole. The current economic trajectory continues to benefit unpatriotic sections of business and the bourgeoisie, who often undermine transformation while accumulating wealth and profit.
The PEC emphasised that economic sovereignty is essential for meaningful freedom and development. COSATU will use the planned Provincial Job Summit which the Federation in the Province has been calling for, many years, to deal with many problems facing workers and youth unemployment.
State of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal
The PEC noted recent developments within the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, including the reconfiguration of the Provincial Task Team (PTT). The rebuilding of the ANC requires, a decisive break from factionalism, to ensure ethical and capable leadership, a renewal process rooted in the masses, particularly the working class and workers. COSATU reiterates that renewal cannot be cosmetic or elite-driven but must be programmatic, ethical, and mass-based. COSATU wishes comrades who are appointed all the best in executing this important task which is about the battle of the soul of the people’s movement.
Alliance Dynamics and SACP Position
The PEC reflected on the decision by the South African Communist Party (SACP) to contest elections independently. The PEC emphasised that such developments must be guided by the working class revolutionary theory, strategy and tactics grounded in material conditions, not emotions. As a revolutionary, democratic and mandatory organization, COSATU KZN will engage these matters thoroughly, guided by the CC and CEC programme as it prepares for the Federation’s National Congress.
Corruption and Moral Decay
The PEC strongly condemned the persistence of corruption and factionalism, which continue to erode the moral fabric of the country. Opportunistic elements have turned leadership positions into instruments of personal accumulation, using ill-gotten wealth to divide and weaken the rank and file.
The PEC resolved that such elements must be isolated, and called on the masses to defend and protect the integrity of their country.
May Day Mobilisation
The PEC called on all workers to treat May Day as a militant platform for advancing working-class struggles. Workers are reminded that May Day was earned through sacrifice, must be defended and used to advance anti-capitalist mobilisation.
All workers are urged to attend the May Day rally at Curries Fountain Stadium, Durban in their maximum numbers, as part and parcel of defending, deepening and advancing the it struggle for better conditions of service.
SARS and Tax Justice
The PEC raised serious concerns regarding the current tax regime administered by SARS.
Workers have expressed frustration over what they perceive as excessive and unfair taxation, including, Pay As You Earn (PAYE), taxation on Two-Pot withdrawals, taxation on pension/provident fund withdrawals, and unexpected tax debts upon annual assessment.
This occurs despite SARS surpassing revenue targets exceeding R2 trillion. The PEC emphasised that revenue collection must not come at the expense of workers.
The Federation will mobilise for a picket at SARS Durban next week to formally submit these concerns and demand transparency, fairness, and systemic correction.
The PEC further called for, a crackdown on corporate tax evasion, action against illicit financial flows, enforcement against non-compliant employers and protection of vulnerable workers. Tax justice must ensure that those with greater wealth contribute more.
Challenges Facing Law Enforcement
The deepening crisis within law enforcement institutions further reflects the contradictions of our society. The infiltration of criminal networks into state institutions raises a serious concerns.
We have always resolved on the need to mobilise our masses against crime that affects our working class communities daily. The PEC therefore, felt that the Commissions that are investigating criminal activities should also respond to this critical dimension.
Programme of Action
COSATU KwaZulu-Natal will implement the following programmes: enforcement of the National Minimum Wage, Unannounced workplace inspections in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour, Home Affairs, and law enforcement agencies. To further campaign for job creation and industrialisation, rebuilding working-class organisation, strengthening political and ideological work, engagement on Alliance reconfiguration, advocacy on crime, including the working-class communities in shaping responses.
The PEC reaffirmed COSATU’s commitment to defending the interests of the workers, advancing the National Democratic Revolution, and resisting both imperialist aggression and domestic counter-revolutionary forces.
The Federation calls on all workers and progressive formations to unite in defence of democracy, deepening and advancement of the struggle for economic justice, and national sovereignty.
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Issued by COSATU KwaZulu Natal
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