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The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) wishes its tireless affiliate, the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers’ Union (SACCAWU) a successful 12th National Congress.  SACCAWU’s Congress is taking place at Benoni from 21 to 24 November under the theme “Consolidate Working Class Unity and Power for Total Emancipation”.

SACCAWU is a pioneer of South Africa’s trade union movement, with its precursor being launched in 1975 under the leadership of the legendary Emma Mashinini and Makhulu Ledwaba.  Against all odds from the darkest days of apartheid to the rise of labour broking and the casualisation of labour in the era of globalisation, it has grown from strength to strength.

Today SACCAWU with over 120 000 paid up members is the largest union of workers across the hospitality and retail sectors and has made impressive gains in the food, agriculture and other commercial industries.  It has led by example with the election of generations of strong women leaders.

This affiliate operates in a sector marked by outsourcing and dominant monopolies, yet it has time and again won above inflation increases for its members, made inroads to improve the working conditions and benefits of workers, and acted as a barrier against retrenchments and premature mechanisation.

The Federation is proud of this relentless trade union that has played its part in the liberation struggle and continues to make its mark in today’s economic turmoil.  We look forward to SACCAWU and its membership emerging from its congress united, energised and determined to continue waging battles to improve the lives of its members and the working class as a whole.

Issued by COSATU