Solidarity
Solidarity is a South African trade union representing primarily skilled workers, professionals and white-collar employees across various sectors. The union is headquartered in Centurion, Gauteng, and operates throughout South Africa. Solidarity evolved from the Mineworkersunion (MWU) and has historically represented Afrikaans-speaking workers, though its membership base has broadened over time. The union has about 150 000 members and is known for its focus on workplace rights, labour relations and advocacy on behalf of its members. Solidarity is not affiliated with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and operates independently. The union frequently engages in litigation and public campaigns on issues affecting its members, including employment equity, language rights and access to public services. It has established a range of affiliated institutions, including the Solidarity Research Institute, the Solidarity Helping Hand fund and training centres. Solidarity is led by a general secretary and an elected leadership structure. The union was established in its current form in 2002, building on the legacy of earlier mineworker organisations dating back to the early twentieth century.
Solidarity Updates
Premier of the Western Cape Government and Another v Speaker of the National Assembly and Others; City of Cape Town and Others v Speaker of the National Assembly and Others (CCT 103/25; CCT 144/25) [2026] ZACC 37
18th September 2026 Click here to read the full judgment on Saflii [1] These are two applications brought in terms of section 167(4)(e) of the Constitution for... →
ConCourt victory blocks state procurement capture
18th September 2026 Sakeliga welcomes today’s Constitutional Court victory over the Public Procurement Act by the Premier of the Western Cape, the City of Cape Town,... →
Solidarity Movement: Urgent solutions needed to resolve diplomatic crisis with the US
16th September 2026 The Solidarity Movement, which includes AfriForum and Solidarity, says the latest statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio makes it clear... →
Solidarity presents ‘race-free by 2030’ roadmap to European, Dutch Parliaments
By: Thabi Shomolekae 9th September 2026 Trade union Solidarity has submitted a comprehensive report proposing a roadmap for a race-free South Africa by 2030 to the Dutch Parliament. The... →
Non-racial by 2030
9th September 2026 Solidarity today submitted its report, a proposed roadmap for a race-free South Africa by 2030, to the Dutch parliament. The report was also... →
Solidarity welcomes AGOA extension until 2028
3rd September 2026 Solidarity welcomes last night’s signing of an extension act by US President Donald Trump in the White House, which also extends the African Growth... →
Solidarity urges minister to intervene over Unisa staff
26th August 2026 Solidarity has called on the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, to urgently intervene amid the growing crisis over working... →
Solidarity warns: Don't repeat these industrial policy mistakes
7th August 2026 Solidarity identified economic growth as the most critical requirement for industrial development, job protection and job creation during a... →
Executive Mayor provides update on municipal manager and CFO litigation
24th July 2026 The respondents within the municipality have now filed their respective affidavits in the applications brought by the Democratic Alliance and... →
Solidarity welcomes Reserve Bank’s interest rate decision
24th July 2026 Solidarity welcomed the Reserve Bank’s decision to leave the interest rate unchanged. “I am pleasantly surprised by the Reserve Bank’s good... →
