MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17 October 2026
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) has elected a new leadership team at its 8th National Congress, held from 14 to 16 October 2026 at the Radisson Blu OR Tambo Hotel in Johannesburg, marking a new chapter in the federation’s commitment to building a stronger, more representative and responsive labour movement.
Refitlhile Baloyi of the Public Servants Association (PSA) has been elected as the new President of FEDUSA, taking on the responsibility of leading the federation as it navigates an increasingly complex labour market, economic uncertainty and persistent challenges affecting workers across South Africa.
The newly elected leadership team comprises:
- President: Refitlhile Baloyi – Public Servants Association (PSA)
- Deputy President: Martle Keyter – Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA)
- Deputy President: Waheed Hoosen – Health and Other Service Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (HOSPERSA)
- Vice President: Development: Nkosipendule Ntantala – National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA)
- Vice President: Finance: Jacques Hugo – UASA
- Vice President: Public Sector: Pierre Snyman
- Vice President: Social Justice: Maluleke Nkhensani Didah – Public Servants Association (PSA)
- Vice President: Training and Education: Paul Sauer – Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie (SAOU)
The election of the new leadership follows three days of deliberations under the congress theme, “Reclaiming and Organising the Future: Workers’ Dignity, Power, and Justice through Conscious Unionism in an Age of Crisis.”
The congress provided a platform for affiliated unions and delegates to reflect on the state of the labour movement, the changing nature of work, workers’ economic security and the need to strengthen collective bargaining and trade union organising in a rapidly evolving world of work.
The incoming leadership assumes office at a critical moment for South African workers, who continue to face the pressures of rising living costs, unemployment, inequality, workplace insecurity and the impact of technological and economic changes.
FEDUSA’s new leadership will be expected to strengthen the federation’s institutional capacity, deepen engagement with government, business and other social partners, and advance policies that protect workers’ rights, promote decent work and contribute to an inclusive and sustainable economy.
The federation also recognises the contribution of outgoing President Godfrey Selematsela and the outgoing leadership in steering the organisation through its previous term.
As FEDUSA enters this new chapter, the federation remains committed to strengthening unity across its affiliates, amplifying workers’ voices and ensuring that organised labour remains a credible and influential force in shaping South Africa’s economic and social future.
The new leadership’s mandate is clear: to organise, represent and advance the interests of workers while defending their dignity, strengthening social justice and building a labour movement equipped to respond to the challenges of the present and the opportunities of the future.
FEDUSA congratulates the newly elected leadership and calls on its affiliates, members and social partners to work collectively towards a future in which workers’ rights are protected, decent work is prioritised and no worker is left behind.
ENDS
For media enquiries contact:
Betty Moleya
FEDUSA Media and Communications
063 736 5533
For interviews:
Riefdah Ajam
FEDUSA General Secretary
079 696 2625
Ashley Benjamin
FEDUSA Deputy General Secretary
083 258 4433