The South African Confederation of Trade Unions (SACOTU) was launched on the 9^th of November, 2008, after a very successful policy integration conference held the previous day.  Several delegates from both FEDUSA and NACTU attended the Policy Conference, and the deliberations during this conference paved the way for a very exciting and promising launch the next day. Messages of support were presented by Andrew Kailembo (ICFTU-AFRO), Max Meisela (NBC), Herbert Mkhize (NEDLAC) and Gino Govender (Ditsela). 

In his keynote address, Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana reflected on his past as a union organiser and the role of shop stewards and trade union leaders.  He urged SACOTU to become a great trade union movement in South Africa and reminded the leaders to remember that their mandate came from their members.

The spokespersons from the various commissions reported back on the morning of the launch, and policy issues were categorised according to the four chambers of NEDLAC: Trade & Industry, Labour Market, Public Finance and MonetaryPolicy, as well as Development.  The deliberations were very fruitful, and numerous fresh policy positions and campaigning possibilities came to the fore.

In terms of Trade & Industry issues, the recommendations centred around issues of fair trade in the face of globalisation, the efforts of new global capital to diminish decent work, as well as the current World Trade Organisation negotiations that seem to have reached a point of no return.

The Labour Market Commission focused on matters relating to atypical forms of employment, the proposed single public service, social security reform and unemployment, while the Public Finance and Monetary Policy Commission made recommendations on macroeconomic policy, a transparent and predictable fiscal policy, monetary policy and exchange control, as well as an employment-targeting monetary policy. The Development Commission focused on a wide range of issues from education and skills development to poverty, safety and security,

occupational health and safety, and HIV & AIDS.

After the SACOTU Constitution was signed by the National Office-Bearers, it was decided that Mma Mary Malete will be the first SACOTU President, with Joseph Mqakheni being the first Deputy President of SACOTU.

SACOTU will not employ any staff members and administration will be done by the secretariat of the office of the President – this term being FEDUSA.

The Constitution of SACOTU

Draft Record of the SACOTU Launch