The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union) has opened its 12th national congress at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, bringing together delegates from across the country to review organisational progress and set priorities for the years ahead.
The congress marks a key moment for the union, with representatives expected to assess the implementation of resolutions adopted at previous gatherings, particularly those from 2017. The review process is aimed at measuring how effectively the organisation has carried out its commitments in areas such as worker representation, bargaining strategies, and internal governance.
A major focus of this year’s proceedings is the expected adoption of a revised medium-term strategy, alongside a broader 10-year plan intended to guide NEHAWU’s direction well into the future. These frameworks are designed to strengthen the union’s ability to respond to ongoing challenges in South Africa’s public sector, including service delivery pressures, employment conditions, and economic constraints affecting workers.
Delegates are also expected to debate organisational renewal measures, with attention on improving efficiency, strengthening internal structures, and enhancing engagement with members across various sectors. Leadership direction and the union’s approach to collective bargaining are likely to feature prominently throughout the congress discussions.
In addition to strategic and policy matters, the congress programme includes the launch of a commemorative publication documenting NEHAWU’s history since its establishment in 1987. The book is intended to capture the union’s development over nearly four decades, highlighting its role in labour activism and its influence within South Africa’s broader socio-political landscape.
The 12th national congress is being viewed as a defining moment for NEHAWU as it seeks to balance its historical legacy with future-focused planning, setting the tone for its organisational priorities over the next decade.