Cosatu Archives - Voice of the Cape

COSATU to Lead International Decent Work Day Activities

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) will host activities across provinces on Tuesday to mark the International Day of Decent Work. Spokesperson Zanele Sabela said that, over its 40-year history, the federation has focused on advancing and protecting workers’ rights to improve their working and living conditions. She noted that South African workers continue to face severe economic challenges, including high unemployment, poverty, and inequality. “The South African […]

6 October 2025

Local

COSATU Calls for Urgent Action to Curb Rising Electricity Costs

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has called on government to take urgent steps to reduce the soaring cost of electricity, warning that failure to act could lead to a “jobs bloodbath.” According to COSATU, since the introduction of load-shedding in 2006, electricity tariffs have increased by more than 450 percent, placing unbearable pressure on households, workers, and businesses. COSATU spokesperson Matthew Parks stressed that South Africa’s economy […]

4 September 2025

Local

COSATU Slams Golden Arrow Fare Hike, Warns of Mass Action

COSATU in the Western Cape has strongly criticised the 4% fare increase announced by Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS), warning that the move will have a devastating impact on workers and low-income commuters. According to COSATU provincial secretary Malvern de Bruyn, the fare hike comes at a time when many workers are already under severe financial strain, with some reportedly spending up to 40% of their monthly wages on transport […]

1 August 2025

International News

COSATU supports the Hague Group emergency conference to halt the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza

Cosatu has joined the international community in welcoming the courageous leadership shown by both South Africa and Colombia in organising an emergency conference to unite the world against what it describes as Israeli aggression in Gaza. Cosatu spokesperson Zanele Sabela stated that the world has tolerated the impunity of the apartheid state of Israel, even after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared that Israel is committing war crimes in […]

16 July 2025

Local

Cosatu welcomes the passing of the Older Persons Amendment Bill

Cosatu has welcomed the passing of the Older Persons Amendment Bill in Parliament, which has now been sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa for his signature. Once implemented, this new legislation will allow authorities to relocate an older person to temporary safe care without needing a court order. Cosatu’s spokesperson, Matthew Parks, stated that they have long supported this important bill, which aims to ensure that older individuals can retire in […]

5 June 2025

Local

Cosatu Welcomes Slight Q4 Uptick in Employment Statistics

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has released its Quarterly Employment Statistics, revealing a net decline of 91,000 jobs between December 2023 and December 2024. The report shows a drop of 26,000 full-time jobs and 65,000 part-time jobs over the year. Despite the overall decline, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) welcomed a marginal employment increase in the fourth quarter of 2024. “Stats SA announced a 0.1% increase in […]

27 March 2025

Local

Cosatu demands that the budget’s proposed VAT increase be dropped

The South African Trade Union Congress (COSATU) has urged Parliament to use its legislative power and remove the Value-Added Tax (VAT) increase from the 2025–2026 budget. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana suggested a 0.5%-point VAT increase in 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 in his budget statement earlier this month. In his presentation of the union federation's report to Parliament on Tuesday, Cosatu's Matthew Parks emphasized that the working class cannot tolerate tax increases. […]

26 March 2025

Local

Teacher stay-away causes no disruptions in the Western Cape

Following the news that circulated on social media about a teacher stay-away on Wednesday morning, no major disruptions have been reported. Speaking on VOC Breakfast on Wednesday morning, Malvern De Bruyn, Provincial Secretary Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) said the stay-away is to highlight the plight of so many teachers who were affected by the budget cuts. “We are embarking on action against the decision of provincial government […]

26 February 2025

International News

Cosatu raises concerns over misrepresentation of the Expropriation Act

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has voiced concerns over the widespread distortion of the Expropriation Act. This follows claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that the South African government is seizing land and mistreating certain groups. Cosatu insists that the law is being misrepresented and calls for clarity on its true intent. Speaking on VOC’s NewsBeat Show on Tuesday, Cosatu Parliamentary Coordinator Matthew Parks highlighted the dangers […]

4 February 2025

Cosatu

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