MIDRAND, Gauteng — The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is convening its 15th National Congress in Midrand, bringing together 1,900 delegates to chart the future of the labor movement. The four-day gathering, running from September 14 to 17, comes at a critical juncture for the federation as it seeks to rebuild workplace organization and address the socio-economic challenges of the modern economy.
The once-dominant labor federation enters the congress with approximately 1.6 million members spread across 16 affiliated unions. However, the federation has expressed deep concern over current labor statistics, noting that only 28% of workers were organized in 2024, while irregular work has grown to slightly exceed permanent employment.
Outgoing General Secretary Bheki Ntshali emphasized that the congress meets during a highly critical period characterized by mass unemployment, deep inequalities, a rising cost of living, insecure work, a weakening public service, and widespread political frustration.
To counter these challenges, COSATU’s primary priorities include growing its membership, strengthening affiliates, and defending decent work. The federation is committed to protecting collective bargaining, wages, occupational health and safety, and workers’ social protection.
A major focus of the 15th National Congress is organizing the “new world of work.” COSATU aims to bring casual, outsourced, platform, and precarious workers into collective organization. Furthermore, the federation is pushing for comprehensive labor law reforms concerning the gig economy and artificial intelligence (AI). COSATU warns that gig and platform workers often lack adequate wages, social protection, and collective bargaining rights, and is actively seeking legislative reforms to prevent digitalization and AI from becoming tools of exploitation.
Beyond labor issues, the congress will take a decisive resolution on the upcoming November 4 local government elections. Delegates will debate how to unite and strengthen the Tripartite Alliance and determine whether COSATU will campaign alongside the ANC or the SACP. The federation will also address the growing trend of parties contesting the elections independently. Alliance partners, including the ANC, the SACP, and SANCO, are expected to be in attendance at the gathering.
Another critical organizational debate on the agenda is the potential return of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA). Following its expulsion from COSATU in 2014, talks will continue at the congress regarding its reintegration. The federation reiterated its foundational principle of “one industry, one union, one country, one federation,” arguing that a united labor movement is essential to defeat capitalism.
As the 15th National Congress unfolds, the federation is looking to emerge with concrete resolutions and the installation of a new leadership team. The ultimate goal is to take the organization forward and unite workers around the pressing challenges facing the South African labor movement.
