Trade federation COSATU has expressed confidence that its tripartite alliance partners, the ANC and SACP, will respect the significance of the main 2026 Workers’ Day rally, set to take place on 1 May at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo.
This comes despite recent tensions between the two parties following the SACP’s decision to contest elections independently of the ANC.
During separate recent media briefings, the SACP reaffirmed its intention to pursue its electoral ambitions, while the ANC issued an ultimatum to members holding dual membership in both organisations.
COSATU President Zingisa Losi told reporters on Wednesday that the federation does not expect either party to use the May Day platform to settle political differences.
“We expect them to deliver messages of support, reflect on challenges, and make recommendations on the way forward. There are many issues facing workers globally, including high unemployment, rising fuel costs, and a lack of policy reform. We expect them to address these issues rather than use the platform to attack one another,” Losi said.
Responding to the ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula’s ultimatum regarding dual membership, Losi said the matter would be addressed at a later stage.
“The 15th National Congress of COSATU will take place in September this year, where workers will debate this issue and decide whether to align with one organisation or another, or prioritise their own interests. That decision will ultimately be made by workers,” she added.
This year’s Workers’ Day rallies will also be held in several locations across the country, including Gqeberha, Bultfontein, Brakpan, Durban, Mbombela, Kimberley, Paarl, and Rustenburg.
