COSATU prepares for 15th National Congress amid alliance debates

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is preparing to host its 15th National Congress at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from September 14 to 17. The event is expected to draw approximately 1,800 delegates from the federation’s 16 union affiliates, along with international guests from organizations such as the ITUC and WFTU.

A central theme of the congress involves the future of the tripartite alliance. COSATU President Zingiswa Losi stated that the federation has not yet decided whether to support the African National Congress (ANC) or the South African Communist Party (SACP) in the 2026 Local Government Elections. While acknowledging the SACP’s decision to contest the elections independently, Losi emphasized that the unity of the federation remains “sacrosanct” and that discussions regarding election support will be brought to the congress debate floor.

General Secretary Solly Phetoe noted that the congress will also address critical issues for the working class, including cost-of-living pressures, strengthening collective bargaining, and updates to the Labour Relations Act. The congress will also involve the election of new leadership to manage the federation's agenda.