By Simon Nare
COSATU on Thursday warned that government remains fixated on a failed austerity path that has left South Africa’s economy stagnating at an average growth rate of about 1% since 2008, contributing to an unemployment rate of 42.4%.
The trade union federation has been at loggerheads with government for more than a decade over budget cuts that have eroded social services, particularly in education and health, resulting in staff shortages and declining service delivery.
In its year-end reflection on the successes and challenges of 2025, COSATU said austerity policies have entrenched joblessness and inequality and will not deliver the minimum 3% economic growth needed for meaningful job creation.
“The Federation vows to continue opposing government’s neoliberal trajectory and will lobby for the employment of more teachers, nurses, doctors and police, as well as the provision of the resources they need to do their jobs,” COSATU said.
The federation
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