By Marcus Moloko
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) celebrated its 40th anniversary in Soweto on Saturday, marking four decades since its founding in 1985.
Established as a federation of trade unions to defend workers’ rights, COSATU has played a defining role in South Africa’s political and social landscape, from the fight against apartheid to ongoing campaigns for fair wages and improved working conditions.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, himself a former union leader, delivered the keynote address at Dobsonville Stadium, commending COSATU’s achievements over the past four decades.
He praised the federation’s leaders for their courage and vision, noting that COSATU had been instrumental in shaping the national agenda against apartheid and the exploitation of black workers in the 1980s.
“The ANC is determined to strengthen the relationship between the workers of our country and the ANC,” Ramaphosa said.
“It is also determined to strengthen the strategic alliance that it has with COSATU, with SANCO, and the SACP, despite the many challenges that we must face. We must therefore close ranks and unite and advance the national democratic revolution.”
Ramaphosa highlighted the advances achieved through the alliance among the ANC, COSATU, SANCO, and the SACP, including the introduction of a national minimum wage that has provided millions of workers with a safety net against poverty.
He emphasised that the alliance remains critical in addressing South Africa’s economic challenges, unemployment, and inequality.
The President also used the occasion to condemn the recent murder of Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D, who testified at the Madlanga Commission.
Ramaphosa described the murder as a direct attack on the rule of law and the pursuit of justice, stressing that government will not allow violence and intimidation to silence those who come forward to expose corruption and wrongdoing.
He assured the public that law enforcement agencies were instructed to pursue the perpetrators with urgency, and reiterated the importance of protecting whistleblowers and witnesses.
COSATU President Zingiswa Losi echoed Ramaphosa’s call for unity, urging workers to remain steadfast in defending their rights while adapting to new challenges such as automation, the gig economy, and declining union membership.
While COSATU’s membership had fallen from its peak, she noted how the federation continued to represent more than 1.6 million workers, making it the largest trade union body in South Africa.
Losi also touched on a trending topic this week, urging those calling for Ramaphosa’s removal to contest leadership positions within the organisation if they want to lead it.
The anniversary celebration was both a moment of pride and reflection.
COSATU leaders pointed to the federation’s historic victories, including workplace protections, social benefits, and its role in mobilising mass stayaways and strikes that helped dismantle apartheid.
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