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The Congress of South African Trade unions congratulates its affiliate, the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) for convening a successful National Congress. 

We wish all the newly elected National Office Bearers success as they begin to tackle the formidable challenges that lie ahead. With the global health and economic crisis in mind, the impact of the rising cost of living has eroded our members' gains these last few years.  

The expected decline in government revenue will continue to be a challenge and we are challenged to strengthen our affiliates and structures if we are to score more gains for our members.  

NEHAWU, as one of the leading unions in the federation, has a big role to play in the upcoming battles. The federation’s strategic priority is one of growing its unions and improving the services provided to members. Our starting point should be to fight for the fulfillment of the commitments agreed to in Resolution 1 of 2018. 

We expect the union to focus its attention on and act as a leader in the struggle to transform health care in our country. Working with NEHAWU and all other health sector unions, we intend to develop a comprehensive approach and intervene in a variety of areas including the establishment of NHI, the transformation of hospitals, and transforming the culture of work among health workers. 

We also expect NEHAWU to lead in our efforts to strengthen ties with progressive forces around the world. 

Issued by COSATU