Cosatu
latest news & developments
New COSATU national leadership elected
Mike Madala Shingange has been elected as the new Cosatu president, defeating Mabutho Cele as the trade union federation announces its fresh national leadership lineup.
South Africans hit hard by the rising cost of living
As fuel prices increase, interest rates soar and food prices hit through the roof, citizens face tough times with many households battling to put food on the table
Editorial: Workers’ Day 32 years on
As we commemorate Workers Day 2026, and 32 years into democracy, it is time for us to reflect on the rights of workers and confront unemployment
May Day and the disappearance of the labour beat
As the country marks another May Day, the central question is not nostalgia for an earlier media moment. It is whether democratic communication can still make workers visible in…
We stand with Cuba, our friend
The protests rejected this. They insisted that what we are seeing is the expansion of a single logic: imperial in character, colonial in structure, even when it speaks the…
Presidential Climate Commission outlines people-centred just transition for 2026–2030
Commissioners emphasise a people-centred just transition, focusing on rural communities, workers and climate-resilient economic planning
A long road to recognition
Government’s proposed labour reforms could finally extend employee protections to South Africa’s creative workforce but unions warn the real work starts now
Political parties criticise budget speech amid stagnant growth
Parties and labour organisations have slammed the 2026 Budget for failing to tackle low growth, high unemployment, and municipal distress, while cautiously welcoming tax relief…
Godongwana holds better budget cards but economic recovery remains inadequate
Labour federations Cosatu and the South African Federation of Trade Unions have led calls for a budget that addresses massive unemployment and weak growth
Editorial: Tongaat Hulett must be saved
At a time when rampant unemployment — one of the country’s biggest crises and a national emergency — takes root, the looming jobs bloodbath will decimate not only the sugar…
Tongaat Hulett collapse looms
Vision, the lead secured lender to the troubled sugar giant, said it was committed to saving the company and jobs despite the business rescue process failing
Thumbs up for Motsepe
“This is not about Patrice waking up one morning and wanting to be president,” the lobbyist said. “It is about stabilising the centre of power before the ANC implodes”
New NPA boss Mothibi in hot seat
Incoming NDPP lauded for his anti-corruption record as head of the SIU while critics see red
Ramaphosa warns that SACP decision to run solo on elections could risk ANC votes
At a Joe Slovo commemoration, Ramaphosa warned the communist party that going it alone would be a historic mistake and undermine the broader liberation alliance
Godongwana forecasts better revenue, strikes optimist tone in medium term budget
The finance minister announced a lower inflation target of 3%, which the South African Reserve Bank has been pushing for