If you want to know what's happening with South Africa's biggest trade union, you’re in the right place. We bring you fresh Cosatu stories every day, from strikes and negotiations to policy debates and court battles. No fluff, just the facts that matter to workers and citizens alike.
COSATU stands for the Congress of South African Trade Unions. It was founded in 1985 and has since become the main voice for millions of workers across industries like mining, manufacturing, public service, and transport. The union is known for its strong political ties, especially with the ruling ANC, but it also isn’t shy about challenging the government when labour rights are at stake.
In plain terms, COSATU organizes protests, negotiates collective agreements, and pushes for legislation that protects jobs, wages, and safe working conditions. Its structure includes a national leadership team, provincial branches, and local shop-floor committees that keep the movement grounded in everyday workplace issues.
South Africa’s economy faces high unemployment, rising living costs, and frequent power cuts. In this climate, COSATU’s actions can tip the balance between stability and unrest. Recent strikes by mine workers over wage disputes, for example, have forced companies to revisit their pay structures and sparked broader debates about wealth inequality.
Another hot topic is the union’s stance on land reform and nationalisation. While some members push for aggressive policies, others call for a more measured approach that protects jobs while addressing historical injustices. This internal debate often shows up in Cosatu press releases and public rallies, giving you a glimpse of how diverse opinions shape its agenda.
Legal battles are also part of the picture. COSATU frequently takes cases to the Labour Court to challenge unfair dismissals or demand proper implementation of collective agreements. Keeping tabs on these lawsuits helps you understand how labour law evolves in South Africa.
On the ground, you’ll see Cosatu organising community outreach, training programmes for union officials, and campaigns that link labour rights with broader social issues like healthcare and education. These initiatives demonstrate why the union remains relevant beyond just wage talks.
For readers who follow politics, COSATU’s relationship with the ANC is a constant source of news. The alliance can shift quickly depending on election results, cabinet reshuffles, or policy disagreements. When the government proposes new labour reforms, you’ll often see Cosatu issuing statements that either support, tweak, or outright reject those changes.
Our tag page pulls together all these strands—protests, negotiations, court rulings, and political commentary—so you don’t have to hunt across multiple sites. Each article is written in a clear, conversational tone, making complex labour issues easy to digest.
Want to stay ahead of the next strike or policy shift? Bookmark this page and check back regularly. We update the Cosatu feed as soon as new stories break, giving you timely insights that matter for workers, employers, and anyone interested in South Africa’s social landscape.
The ANC's alliance partners, including Cosatu and the SACP, have voiced strong opposition to a coalition with the DA. The objection hinges on the DA's stance on the national minimum wage and historical capitalist interests. Discussions are ongoing within the ANC's NEC, with alternative coalition partners still under consideration.
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