The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) is celebrating its 40th anniversary amid efforts to reaffirm its role among workers. Founded in 1985 during apartheid, the federation has faced membership declines but highlights achievements in labor protections. A rally is planned at Dobsonville Stadium on December 6.
Established in December 1985, Cosatu emerged as a key force against apartheid by organizing national stayaways, strikes, and community campaigns to champion workers' rights. As South Africa's largest trade union federation, it has navigated significant hurdles, including economic pressures, widespread job losses, the expulsion of former General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, the ousting of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa), and the rise of competing unions. These factors have led to a drop in membership to 1.6 million.
Despite these challenges, Cosatu President Zingisa Losi remains optimistic, emphasizing the federation's accomplishments. "We have been able, as this federation, to ensure that over six million workers have now been plugged into the national wage, including farm workers and domestic workers," she stated. Losi also pointed to the alliance's role in securing the social relief of distress grant during the COVID-19 crisis, resisting government attempts to end it post-pandemic.
The federation's alliance with the African National Congress (ANC) and South African Communist Party (SACP) faces strain, particularly as the SACP plans to contest next year's elections independently. ANC General Secretary Fikile Mbalula praised Cosatu's historical impact, noting it "emerged as a beacon of hope during one of the darkest chapters in South Africa’s history," uniting workers to challenge apartheid repression.
Cosatu will hold its anniversary rally at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, December 6, with leaders from the tripartite alliance expected to attend. The event underscores the federation's commitment to unity and relevance in the working-class struggle.