Ntuthuzelo Nene2 May 2025 | 4:52

COSATU doesn't recognise GNU, ponders national shutdown

On Thursday, COSATU general-secretary Solly Phetoe addressed a large crowd of tripartite alliance supporters at a Workers Day rally in Cape.

COSATU doesn't recognise GNU, ponders national shutdown

Banner for COSATU’s May Day celebrations in Cape Town’s Athlone Stadium on 1 May 2024. Picture: X/SadtuNational

CAPE TOWN – Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) Solly Phetoe has labelled the Democratic Alliance (DA) as an enemy of the working class within the Government of National Unity (GNU).

On Thursday, Phetoe addressed a large crowd of tripartite alliance supporters at a Workers Day rally in Cape.

COSATU also took a swipe at the DA-led government in the Western Cape, accusing it of misleading the public on job creation.

COSATU general-secretary Solly Phetoe warned of a possible national shutdown against the GNU.

"Central Executive Committee members of COSATU, we must take a decision to have a two-day national shutdown, this Government of National Unity is not recognised by COSATU." 

Phetoe says some GNU partners have decided to be enemies of the workers.

"The DA marched to COSATU House last year, saying COSATU is enemy number one. Comrades go to the farms and see how farmworkers are treated by DA people." 

He called on the working class to unite and fight for decent jobs and fair labour practices.