Cosatu
Cosatu (Congress of South African Trade Unions) is South Africa's largest trade union federation and a key voice in the country's labour movement. Founded in 1985 during the apartheid era, the organisation played a significant role in the struggle for democracy and has remained influential in post-apartheid South Africa. Cosatu represents approximately 1.8-million workers across 21 affiliated unions spanning sectors including mining, manufacturing, public services, transport and retail. The federation operates as part of the tripartite alliance with the African National Congress and the South African Communist Party, giving it substantial political influence on government policy. Cosatu's mandate extends beyond traditional workplace issues to encompass broader socioeconomic concerns such as healthcare access, education, housing and economic transformation. The organisation advocates for workers' rights, living wages, job security and progressive labour legislation, frequently engaging in collective bargaining, strikes and public campaigns. Its leadership structure includes a national executive committee and provincial structures, with the president and general secretary serving as the principal spokespersons. Cosatu has been vocal on issues ranging from privatisation and labour broking to public health policy and industrial strategy. The federation's involvement in health matters reflects its commitment to universal healthcare and the wellbeing of the working class. Over nearly four decades, Cosatu has shaped South Africa's labour relations landscape and continues to be a formidable force in national debates on economic and social policy.
Cosatu Updates
Daily Podcast – June 17, 2026
By: Thabi Shomolekae 17th June 2026 Making headlines: Aucamp replaces Steenhuisen as Agriculture Minister; Labour unions urge workers to shun anti-migrant protests; And, EU supports... →
Labour unions urge workers to shun anti-migrant protests 
By: Reuters 17th June 2026 South Africa's biggest labour unions on Wednesday urged workers not to participate in anti-immigrant protests that have seized the country, and... →
Foundation condemns ‘reckless’ national shutdown calls, warns of xenophobic anarchy
By: Thabi Shomolekae 12th June 2026 The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF) has strongly condemned recent calls for a "national shutdown", labelling the movement as "reckless" and warning... →
Statement on SARB repo rate hike: finance capital’s assault on the working class
29th May 2026 The South African Reserve Bank’s decision to hike the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7 per cent (pushing the prime lending rate to 10.5 per cent)... →
NCOP passes the Division of Revenue Bill
27th May 2026 The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) has passed the Division of Revenue Bill during a hybrid plenary sitting today. The Bill was tabled by the... →
Abahlali baseMjondolo Rejects the Repeated Inclusion of our Movement in the Programme for the ‘Conference of the Left’
18th May 2026 Abahlali baseMjondolo condemns the opportunistic and disrespectful inclusion of our movement in the latest programme for the SACP-hosted... →
SAFTU NEC discussion paper the SACP “conference of the left”: Testing political clarity against practice
11th May 2026 The South African Communist Party has invited SAFTU and other formations to participate in a “Conference of the Left,” now postponed to 29–31 May... →
SA: Paul Mashatile: Address by Deputy President, at the official Commemoration of World TB Day, Western Cape (24/03/2026)
27th March 2026 I remember last year, during our commemoration in KwaZulu-Natal, a young man named Sibusiso approached me to share his challenging journey. He... →
Remembering Leon Levy, Trade Unionist, Communist Organiser and Full-time Activist
3rd February 2026 We honour the life and legacy of Leon Levy, a towering figure in South Africa’s liberation struggle and author of Back to the Front, who passed... →
SACP dips its red flag in tribute to liberation struggle stalwart, Comrade Leon Levy
3rd February 2026 The South African Communist Party (SACP) dips its red flag in tribute to our liberation struggle stalwart, Comrade Leon Levy, 96, who breathed his... →
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