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
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... →
South Africa: Labour Court warns against rigid application of employment equity targets in promotion decisions
7th July 2026 In Solidarity obo Benjamin v Department of Correctional Services and Others, the Labour Court reviewed and set aside an arbitration award... →
Lamola's remarks are contrary to South Africa's interests
26th June 2026 Solidarity has warned that the latest remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, regarding South Africa's... →
Solidarity calls on SA government to respond urgently to US demands
19th June 2026 Solidarity is concerned about the US government’s announcement that funding for the PEPFAR programme will be discontinued. According to Solidarity,... →
Solidarity welcomes AGOA extension and urges government to take US olive branch seriously
22nd May 2026 Solidarity welcomes the White House’s announcement regarding the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and calls on the South... →
Solidarity welcomes Denel's wage increase, but acknowledges the long road that still lies ahead
By: Creamer Media Reporter 20th May 2026 Trade union Solidarity has welcomed State-owned defence group Denel's decision to grant employees an across-the-board 5.5% wage increase, backdated... →
Solidarity Trade Union and Others v Minister of Health and Others (CCT 240/24) [2026] ZACC 19
19th May 2026 Click here to read the full judgment on Saflii Solidarity Trade Union, professional associations, and private health practitioners challenged... →
Health committee notes ConCourt judgement on National Health Act provisions
19th May 2026 The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Ms Faith Muthambi, notes the judgment delivered today by the Constitutional Court in the... →
ConCourt deals blow to NHI 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 18th May 2026 Opposition parties and trade unions overwhelmingly welcomed the recent Constitutional Court ruling, which they viewed as a crucial defence against... →
