FEDUSA demands better wages and action on unemployment

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) has called for urgent measures to revive local manufacturing, protect workers from the effects of artificial intelligence (AI), address rising living costs and tackle unemployment.

The federation held its eighth National Congress at Destiny Exclusive Hotel & Convention Centre, formerly known as the Radisson Blu Hotel, in Kempton Park from October 14 to 16.

Speaking at the congress, labour representatives highlighted the challenges facing workers, including inadequate wages, limited employment opportunities, technological changes and the need for stronger labour protections.

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The representatives raised concerns about the decline of Ekurhuleni’s manufacturing sector in certain industries. They said the government needed to prioritise areas with existing factories and infrastructure to accelerate economic recovery and create employment opportunities.

Wadeville has long been an important manufacturing hub in the city.

Basil Manuel, executive director of the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) and FEDUSA vice-president, spoke to the media on the first day of the congress, saying the government must prioritise local manufacturing.
“Too many government contracts were being awarded to companies outside the country despite the availability of local manufacturers capable of undertaking the work,” he argued.

Manuel called for greater support for domestic production, including the local manufacture of clothing for the army, saying this could strengthen industries and protect jobs.

He said reviving manufacturing was essential to ensuring that young people had a realistic prospect of finding employment and building better futures.

He added that engagement with the Presidency and the Minister of Employment and Labour would be necessary to advance these concerns and ensure that policies translated into tangible benefits for workers.

The congress also focused on the growing influence of AI and automation in the workplace, with delegates emphasising that technology should improve productivity rather than threaten workers’ livelihoods.

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile was among those who acknowledged that technological change was inevitable, but delegates stressed that workers needed to be included in decisions about how new systems were introduced.

Manuel emphasised that AI should serve as a tool to help people work more effectively rather than replace them. He added that workers needed access to education, reskilling and upskilling opportunities to adapt to changing workplace demands.

He stressed that understanding how AI operates was essential to ensuring that it benefited workers and society.

FEDUSA also called for stronger protection of personal data, warning that South Africa could become vulnerable if it failed to safeguard information and prepare its workforce for technological developments — a concern also emphasised by Mashatile.
“The ultimate goal should be to improve productivity while preserving human dignity and ensuring that people could access decent employment,” said Manuel.

Wages and the rising cost of living were also highlighted as pressing concerns. FEDUSA representatives said the minimum wage remained inadequate for many workers struggling to meet their basic needs, with some earning about R4 000 a month.

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Manuel argued that improving wages was necessary to help workers move beyond merely surviving from hand to mouth. He added that continued pressure from trade unions and labour federations would be needed to achieve meaningful improvements.
The federation also called for stronger labour inspections to address unfair treatment in the workplace.

However, it stressed that inspections alone would not be enough and that workers needed to be encouraged to report violations and stand up for their rights.

Concerns were also raised about the effectiveness of institutions responsible for skills development. The representatives questioned whether the substantial funds invested in various sectors were translating into sufficient training opportunities for young people.

They called for greater accountability to ensure that these resources delivered meaningful results and helped prepare young people for employment.

Immigration and local jobs

Immigration and the protection of local employment opportunities formed another part of the discussions, alongside concerns about equal and fair labour practices.

The representatives called for the enforcement of immigration laws and improved border management, including ensuring that foreign nationals were properly documented.

Manuel said the country needed to balance its skills requirements with the need to protect employment opportunities for South Africans.

He cautioned against vigilantism and the unlawful targeting of foreign nationals, saying that chasing people out of the country was not a solution.

“I have travelled to many parts of the world, and South Africans encounter people from other countries wherever they go. We cannot chase others away and then expect that South Africans will never face similar treatment elsewhere,” he said.

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Manuel said immigration laws needed to be enforced and foreign nationals properly documented, while employment opportunities for South Africans were protected.

Using the food and beverage industry as an example, he raised concerns about the employment of local workers in entry-level positions.

“I cannot remember the last time I visited a restaurant where the people serving me were local workers. That is a significant concern,” he said.

“I am not saying that foreign nationals should not be allowed to work. However, I am asking whether we should not prioritise our own people and protect their employment opportunities.”

He emphasised that South Africa needed to strike a balance between enforcing immigration laws and protecting local workers, adding that people should not take the law into their own hands.

The second day of the congress focused on governance, reports, resolutions and the election of the new leadership.

A panel discussion during the afternoon session featured Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Dr Nakampe Michael Masiapato, and Princess “Princy” Mthombeni, founder and national convener of South Africans for Constitutional Reform (SACR), with Cathy Mohlahlana moderating.

The discussions also focused on border management, illegal immigration and the employment of undocumented foreign nationals. Delegates raised issues concerning labour policies governing the employment of foreign nationals without valid documentation, as well as the security of South Africa’s border posts and the use of technology to strengthen border control.

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Leadership election

FEDUSA has elected Refitlhile Baloyi of the Public Servants Association (PSA) as its new president during its eighth National Congress.

Baloyi takes over the leadership of the federation as workers continue to face rising living costs, unemployment, inequality and uncertainty surrounding the future of work.

The congress brought together affiliated unions and delegates to discuss workers’ rights, economic security, collective bargaining and the changing labour market.

The newly elected leadership team includes Martle Keyter of the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) and Waheed Hoosen of the Health and Other Service Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (HOSPERSA), who will serve as deputy presidents.

Nkosipendule Ntantala of NAPTOSA was elected vice-president for development, while Jacques Hugo of UASA will serve as vice-president for finance.

Pierre Snyman was elected vice-president for the public sector, Maluleke Nkhensani Didah of the PSA as vice-president for social justice, and Paul Sauer of the Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie (SAOU) as vice-president for training and education.

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“The incoming leadership is expected to strengthen the federation’s capacity to represent workers and engage government, business and other social partners on policies affecting employment, wages and workplace conditions,” said FEDUSA general secretary Riefdah Ajam.

The congress also provided an opportunity for delegates to reflect on the challenges facing organised labour and the need to adapt to technological advancements, including AI, while ensuring workers are not left behind.

Outgoing president Godfrey Selematsela was acknowledged for his contribution to the federation during his previous term, which concluded after he served two terms.

“As the federation enters a new leadership chapter, its focus remains on strengthening unity among affiliated unions, defending workers’ rights and promoting decent work and social justice. The new leadership is expected to advance the interests of workers while ensuring organised labour continues to play a role in shaping South Africa’s economic and social future,” said Ajam.