by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
The SACP’s Conference of the Left has declared the rising cost of living as the main battleground in the conflict between social classes.
Image: Simon Majadibodu/IOL
The working class is forced to bear the burden of an economic system that prioritises wealth extraction over human dignity.
The Conference of the Left, which held its inaugural gathering at the weekend, has declared the escalating cost of living a central terrain of class struggle.
The declaration comes as South Africa faces a structural crisis characterised by mass unemployment (hovering around 43.7% overall and over 71% for youth), deepening poverty, and severe inequality.
The three -day conference, was hosted by the South African Communist Party (SACP) at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, from Friday to Sunday.
The conference was attended by a broad coalition of leftist and progressive organisations, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), the Azanian People’s Organisation (AZAPO), and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).
Several smaller parties, labour federations, Marxist and Pan-Africanist groups, and social movements also participated.
The ANC boycotted the conference as it viewed the gathering as a strategic attempt by rival factions to attack, weaken, and dismantle the ANC-led Tripartite Alliance.
The party also objected to the inclusion of rival parties such as the EFF and MK Party, arguing that these groups do not embody genuine leftist principles.
In a document shared on social media, the SACP said food prices, electricity tariffs, transport costs, fuel, water charges, and basic goods are influenced by monopoly control, profiteering, weak public regulation, financialisation, austerity, and private profit.
The conference has called for price regulation, action against fixing and profiteering.
The conference also called for stronger measures against monopoly control of essential goods and the defence of affordable basic services as a right.
“Food, energy, water, sanitation, healthcare, education, housing, and transport must be treated as public goods, not commodities,” read the document.
The conference also opposed privatisation, prepaid exclusion, water and electricity disconnections, and the transfer of the “capitalist crisis” onto working-class households.
The conference declared its support for a permanent Universal Basic Income Grant set at a level that sustains dignity, financed through redistributive taxation on wealth, concentrated capital, and financial speculation, as part of comprehensive social security.
“The current social relief of distress grant is inadequate and falls far below what is required for a dignified life. The conference notes that millions who require income support remain excluded through restrictive criteria, administrative barriers, and underfunding.
“The struggle for a Universal Basic Income Grant must therefore be linked to expanded social protection, redistribution of wealth, land justice, and the construction of economic alternatives that place human need before profit,” reads the document.
The conference added that the country’s critical minerals must be used strategically for industrialisation, not merely as exported as new materials for foreign corporations and “imperialist” supply chains.
The conference pronounced that minerals must support beneficiation, public and social ownership, local manufacturing, energy sovereignty, rail and infrastructure development, technological transfer, skills development, worker rights, and decent work.
“The conference rejects the false choice between corruption and privatisation. Corruption, maladministration, looting, and elite impunity must be confronted decisively. But handing over electricity, rail, ports, water systems, spectrum, public health, public transport, and other strategic network industries to private profiteers is not a solution. It is a continuation of the neoliberal offensive under another name.”
The MK Party said the conference has demonstrated that progressive forces in South Africa remain resilient, active, and capable of shaping a meaningful alternative for the future.
At the same time, it highlighted the ongoing challenge of fragmentation, ideological confusion, and organisational division that continues to weaken the working class and slow the pace of transformation.
In response, the party called for the establishment of a permanent Council of the Left, which will bring together political parties, trade unions, community organisations, youth and women’s formations, intellectuals, and all progressive forces committed to social and economic change.
The party added that this structure must serve as a platform for coordination, policy development, political education, and collective action in the interests of workers and the poor.
The conference has also called for the rebuilding of public health, the insourcing of health support workers, expansion of community healthcare, public pharmaceutical capacity, democratic accountability and international cooperation in health, including with Cuba.
The conference also stands for redistribution, restitution, security of tenure, and expropriation of land with compensation where appropriate and in public interest, guided by the need to restore dignity, advance equality and place land in the hands of those who work it and live on it.
“The conference supports anti-eviction legislation to protect vulnerable land occupiers, tenants, and farm dwellers, homeless communities and working-class households from unjust, unlawful, illegal and arbitrary evictions.”
manyane.manyane@inl.co.za
Source: https://pretorianews.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-06-01-uniting-progressive-forces-insights-from-the-conference-of-the-left
by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
As South African consumers face another challenging month, June brings significant fuel price hikes alongside an interest rate increase from the South African Reserve Bank. While petrol prices rise, diesel users will see price cuts. Trade unions are urging the government to provide further relief to mitigate the impact on workers and the economy. Image: File
As we mark the half way point of the year, June brings yet another speed bump for South African consumers, after fuel price increases kick in on Wednesday, compounded by the interest rate hike announced by the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) that also came into effect this month.
Petrol prices will rise significantly while diesel users will benefit from substantial price cuts.
Motorists filling up with petrol will see prices increase by R1.43 per litre, Diesel users, however, will benefit from significant decreases, with diesel containing 0.05% sulphur falling by R3.25 per litre and diesel containing 0.005% sulphur decreasing by R2.62 per litre.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has urged government to provide further Fuel Levy relief to cushion embattled workers and the economy from the massive fuel price hikes that have wrecked havoc since the commencement of the war in the Persian Gulf.
Cosatu said, following the official fuel price adjustment announced on Monday, “Whilst we appreciate the modest initial decrease in diesel prices due to come into effect, a further rise in petrol prices will be yet another painful blow that millions of struggling workers and commuters, and an already stagnant economy stuck at anemic 1% growth, simply cannot afford.”
The trade union added that it fears workers, society, and the economy will not cope with the planned end in the fuel levy relief in July if international oil and fuel prices continue to remain abnormally high and even rise.
“Oil and fuel supplies and prices may also take some time to return to pre-war levels even once the war ends,” Cosatu added.
Diesel is critical for the public and private transport that workers depend upon as is paraffin for millions of working-class families.
“Workers who are already drowning in debt, supporting up to seven relatives each and spending an average of 40% of their meagre wages on transport; will not be able to continue to survive such steep petrol, diesel, gas and paraffin price prices. The most important source of relief for workers, society and the economy, is to maintain the fuel levy relief while oil and fuel prices remain high. This is the most impactful and cost-effective solution to this global crisis. Additional relief should be sought by making public transport more affordable to commuters,” Cosatu stated.
The union further said that it is critical that the Reserve Bank spare society further pain by not increasing the repurchase rate (repo rate) as this source of inflation is external and not domestic driven.
“Workers’ meagre wages must be protected from further bleeding. The private sector must end its investment strike and contribute towards an economic and social relief package to kickstart a stagnant economy and give hope to an under-siege working class. Government with the support of public and private financial institutions must put in place a bold stimulus package to kickstart an under-siege economy,” Cosatu said.
The union added that it will continue to engage government on a package of bold, progressive and decisive measures to cushion workers, the poor and the economy from this global crisis.
Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA said that the fuel price adjustments brought mixed feelings for consumers, as some will feel the pinch while others experience slight relief from the events of the past two months.
“From Wednesday, petrol prices will rise, while diesel, LP Gas, and paraffin will see official price reductions. Although there was an over-recovery across all fuel categories, the National Treasury is also restoring part of the R3.00 per litre and R3.93 per litre cuts from the fuel levy made in June,” Moyo said.
With R1.50 per litre being added back to petrol prices instead of a reduction, petrol prices at the pump will increase.
“Meanwhile, R1.96 is being added back to the diesel price which, unfortunately, still results in a decrease at the pumps. Over the past four months, petrol prices have risen by R8 per litre. Although the fuel price outlook is disappointing for petrol drivers, we welcome the good news regarding diesel prices, as we hope this marks the beginning of a return to normal circumstances,” Moyo added.
She said that industries and companies that depend on diesel for their operations, such as logistics and farming, will directly benefit from a reduction in fuel prices.
“We are also pleased that consumers reliant on paraffin for household use and heating will benefit from the price adjustments. We hope fuel prices will continue to improve, and we strongly encourage petrol users to remain cautious and spend wisely until the situation stabilises,” Moyo said.
The fuel prices for June 2026 will be adjusted as follows:
- Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): Increase of R1.43 per litre
- Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): Increase of R1.43 per litre
- Diesel (0.05% sulphur): Decrease of R3.25 per litre
- Diesel (0.005% sulphur): Decrease of R2.62 per litre
- Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): Decrease of R5.96 per litre
- SMNRP for IP: Decrease of R7.95 per litre
- Maximum Retail Price of LPGas: Decrease of R0.17 per kilogram
- LP Gas Western Cape: Decrease of R0.20 per kilogram
Source: https://businessreport.co.za/economy/2026-06-03-fuel-price-hikes-and-interest-rate-increases-a-double-blow-for-south-african-consumers/
by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
An explosives expert has warned that the two improvised explosive devices detonated at Woolworths stores in Pretoria and Bloemfontein were “possibly lethal”, despite no injuries being reported.
Willem Els, a former SAPS explosives investigator and now a consultant with the Institute for Security Studies’ transnational threats and organised crime programme, said the incidents appeared to bear the hallmarks of a possible extortion campaign aimed at pressuring the retailer.
“A bomb is a bomb. It will always be dangerous even if no one was hurt,” Els said.
The first explosion took place in the early hours of Thursday, May 28, at Woolworths Menlyn Park in Pretoria. The second happened less than 24 hours later, in the early hours of Friday, May 29, at the Woolworths Preller Square branch in Bloemfontein.
Woolworths has confirmed that both devices were detonated while the stores were closed, between 1am and 2am. The retailer said no one was harmed in either incident.
The Menlyn Park store has since reopened, while the Preller Square branch remains closed as the investigation continues.
Els said that while there was still limited information available and police investigations would have to determine the facts, an assessment of images from the scene suggested the devices could have caused serious injury or death.
“We don’t have much information and could only go on the assessment of the pictures that were supplied. We see that there was some shrapnel, and if that shrapnel that went through the shelves had hit a person or they were nearby, it could have killed them. It is possibly lethal,” he said.
Els said the timing of the blasts and the apparent size of the devices suggested that those responsible may not have intended to cause mass casualties, but rather to send a message.
“The bomb was also small in size, and the fact that they both detonated quite early in the morning in both instances tells us that the perpetrators did not want it to hurt people. It was a message,” he said.
“And based on our assessments, it looks very much like extortion, where they are threatening Woolworths outlets and if they don’t pay ransoms, then they will bomb them. That is the indication. The police investigations will reveal more information.”
Explosion at Woolworths in Menlyn Mall: Five packers escaped injury.
Els said South Africa had previously seen similar attacks in KwaZulu-Natal, where extortion rackets used explosive devices to threaten businesses.
“If you go back in history, in Durban there used to be attacks a few years ago by extortion rackets who also used bombs. The bombs used at Woolworths are very similar to those. The indications are that it might be extortion,” Els said.
He said in suspected extortion cases, perpetrators often used threats to damage public trust and pressure businesses into meeting their demands.
“It’s not just about bombing, it affects the public trust in the outlet and customer safety, and so it is damaging for the outlets. That is what the perpetrators are bargaining on, that the outlets will cave in and meet their demands to protect the outlets and the people,” Els said.
In a statement, Woolworths said it was the target of two separate incidents this week.
“While the Woolworths Menlyn Park store has reopened, Woolworths Preller Square remains closed while the investigation is under way,” the company said.
“Most importantly, Woolworths is relieved to share that no one was harmed in either incident. In both instances, the devices were set off between 01:00 and 02:00, when stores were closed.”
The company said SAPS was informed immediately on both occasions, a thorough sweep was done to ensure no further threats were present, and the Hawks were appointed to investigate.
“At this stage, no further information on the nature of the devices or the motive behind these attacks is available,” Woolworths said.
The retailer said vigilance across Woolworths stores nationwide had increased, and specialist forensic experts had been contracted to strengthen security and intelligence.
Incoming Woolworths Group CEO Sam Ngumeni said the company was doing everything in its power to protect workers and customers.
“Woolworths is a proudly South African brand that stands for integrity and the courage to do the right thing. We are taking every action and doing everything in our power to protect our people and customers, who remain our priority,” Ngumeni said.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Bloemfontein said it was investigating an alleged explosion at a clothing store in Preller Square.
“According to reports, at around 3:00 on Friday, 29 May 2026, the store manager received a call from a security company informing him about an explosion inside the store,” the Hawks said.
“The local SAPS Explosives Unit and other relevant stakeholders are on the scene. Investigations into the cause of the explosion are continuing.”
The South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union, which represents a number of Woolworths workers, said it was shocked by the bombings and had not been informed by the employer or employees before being approached for comment.
SACCAWU’s Sithembile Tshwete said the union condemned the attacks.
“We don’t support such acts as a union, and we hope that our members were kept safe,” Tshwete said.
“The safety of our members and customers is paramount to us, and we urge SAPS to leave no stone unturned and ensure that those groups that have caused this are brought to book.”
Tshwete said the union was not aware of any labour dispute or grievance involving its members that could be linked to the bombings.
“We don’t have any disputes or grievances by members that would manifest onto something like this. We have a negotiating forum where we bargain and agree on issues with Woolworths. We have not had disputes with Woolworths in a very long time. Our relationship is cordial,” Tshwete said.
lilita.gcwabe@inl.co.za
Source: https://africannewsagency.com/explosives-expert-warns-of-potential-extortion-behind-woolworths-bombings/
by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
Fuel stations in South Africa are under pressure despite rising petrol and diesel prices Image: David Ritchie/Independent Newspapers
The Petroleum Retailers Association says fuel stations across South Africa are under serious pressure, particularly in rural areas where sales are low, and costs keep rising.
IOL previously reported that fuel stations in South Africa are facing the heat, despite rising petrol and diesel prices, with owners warning that tight margins and soaring costs are making it hard to stay afloat.
This comes as the war in the Middle East continues to drive global oil prices higher, pushing local fuel costs to record levels. Last month, motorists were hit with price increases of R3.27 per litre for petrol and R5.27 per litre for diesel.
In an interview with Cape Talk, chairman Henry van der Merwe warned that some fuel stations may be forced to cut staff hours, reduce operating times, or close certain shifts if the situation does not improve.
He said that customers are changing their behaviour, with many motorists no longer filling their tanks fully and instead buying smaller amounts of fuel at a time to manage costs.
Van der Merwe said this drop in demand is adding pressure on stations, along with rising expenses such as electricity, security and wages, which continue regardless of how much fuel is sold.
“It’s really, it’s hard, specifically the smaller sites, you know, the rural areas, those people are fighting and saying we can’t afford just to open at night because of security risks, because of low litres at night, so these are going to be, in the rural areas, it’s going to be a security supply issue, because people are talking of retrenching people because they can’t afford the shorter hours, and that’s for the whole country.
“That’s not a good thing; that’s not what we want, but that’s what is happening on the ground; the fuel retailers are also suffering”.
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
IOL Business
Source: https://iol.co.za/business/2026-05-27-petrol-stations-warn-of-job-cuts-and-closures-as-pressure-mounts/
by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
Former African Union Commission chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has rejected claims that removing undocumented foreign nationals would ease unemployment.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
Deporting undocumented foreign nationals from South Africa would not automatically create jobs, says former African Union (AU) chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
She added that, amid South Africa’s high unemployment rate, many citizens were blaming African migrants living in the country.
Her comments come amid growing concerns over the safety and well-being of foreign nationals as tensions linked to anti-illegal immigration demonstrations escalate.
Many migrants travelled to South Africa in search of better opportunities. Instead, some say they are living in fear and sleeping with one eye open amid rising hostility.
Protests targeting undocumented migrants have intensified across the country, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Protesters claim undocumented migrants are taking jobs meant for South Africans, placing pressure on healthcare services and schools, and failing to contribute to the economy through taxes.
Despite repeated calls for calm from the government, demonstrations have continued to escalate.
Dlamini-Zuma, a former Home Affairs minister, said illegal migration was undesirable but stressed the need for legal migration pathways.
“I think if we were to look at the free movement of people, there is a protocol that all Africans signed at the AU (African Union), most of them, but it’s not being implemented because they have not ratified it,” she said.
“Because that free movement does not say people must come illegally. It says they must come legally into a country and obviously respect the laws of that country. But we have not ratified that. Only four countries have ratified it.”
She said she did not believe deporting undocumented foreign nationals would resolve South Africa’s unemployment crisis.
“Because there is unemployment, people are now trying to attribute that unemployment to Africans who are here,” Dlamini-Zuma said.
“I don’t think if they left, there would be employment in South Africa. There would still be unemployment. Legal migration is what we should be looking at.
“Yes, illegal migration is not desirable. But legal migration is fine. People who are here illegally should be dealt with, but that should not create hostility.”
South Africa’s unemployment rate rose to 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026, up from 31.4% in the previous quarter.
Quarterly labour force survey data released by Statistics South Africa earlier this month, showed the number of employed people fell by 345,000 to 16.8 million, while the number of unemployed people increased by 301,000 to 8.1 million.
Dlamini-Zuma said unemployment would persist even if undocumented migrants left the country, arguing that South Africa faced a shortage of relevant skills.
“If you look at Agenda 2063, it says there must be a skills revolution because it recognises that if young people are not skilled, they are unlikely to get jobs or create jobs themselves,” she said.
“We need a skills revolution here in South Africa because many unemployed people do not have the skills the economy requires.”
She said some unemployed South Africans were educated but lacked the practical skills needed in the labour market.
Men adorned in traditional Zulu attire, affiliated to the March and March movement, continue to march through the streets of Durban, calling for the removal of illegal foreign nationals in the country.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
Dlamini-Zuma said she was impressed by skills training centres she recently visited in India.
“They were teaching young people how to repair cellphones, drones and electric motorbikes, as well as how to install and maintain solar systems,” she said.
“Those are the kinds of skills that create jobs. Companies employ them, and those who do not want formal employment can start their own businesses.”
She added that economic growth was also essential to absorbing new entrants into the labour market.
“If the economy does not grow, it will not be able to absorb people entering the labour market,” she said in an interview with SABC News.
Meanwhile, protests against undocumented migration continue to spread across South Africa.
Anti-illegal-immigration group March and March, which has led demonstrations across the country, has threatened a national shutdown on 30 June if the government fails to meet its demands.
The group is calling for stricter visa regulations, a review of asylum policies, action against businesses employing undocumented migrants, accountability for corrupt police officers and restrictions on public services for undocumented migrants.
On Tuesday, the government called for calm following high-level talks on rising protests over undocumented migration.
However, the group said it would proceed with its planned nationwide shutdown.
The talks followed an urgent meeting at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Monday between ministers in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster.
The meeting focused on growing demonstrations against undocumented migration and included discussions with political parties, organisations and protest groups involved in community marches.
Speaking at a media briefing, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga said citizens had a constitutional right to protest.
“The 30th of June is within their rights. There is nothing to panic about,” she said.
However, she warned against unlawful behaviour during demonstrations.
“We have seen incidents during some marches that cannot be overlooked,” Motshekga said.
“While South Africans have the right to protest and their anger and frustration are understood, the government is also hard at work.”
She said the Department of Home Affairs continued to conduct inspections and operations targeting undocumented migration.
“It is not as though there is already a crisis because of the threat of 30 June,” she said.
“On 1 July, the sun will still rise in the east and set in the west.”
Motshekga also urged protesters to respect the dignity of migrants.
“I was terrified when I saw a South African pepper-spraying a foreign migrant,” she said.
“At the end of the day, they are human beings. We have a duty to protect everybody’s dignity.”
She added that migration was a global phenomenon that South Africa needed to manage responsibly.
“It has created serious challenges for us as a country and for the state, but it is also a global trend that we must manage both as a continent and as a country,” she said.
Former Home Affairs Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has argued that removing undocumented foreign nationals from South Africa would not automatically create jobs.
Image: XOLILE MTEMBU
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi rejected claims that the government had failed to act on immigration.
“We have not been lukewarm,” Kubayi said.
“Joint operations have been taking place week in and week out, and we have statistics to show for it.”
Kubayi reiterated that groups had the right to protest but urged organisers to ensure demonstrations remained peaceful and coordinated with authorities.
“We have appealed to them to notify us about marches – how many people they expect and where they are going – so law enforcement can prepare adequately,” she said.
“When they do not notify us, it becomes difficult to plan.”
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL Politics
Source: https://iol.co.za/news/politics/2026-05-27-deporting-illegal-foreigners-will-not-solve-south-africas-unemployment-crisis-dlamini-zuma-says/
by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni cautioned local spaza shop owners who are fronting for foreigners. Image: Supplied
The Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni, has threatened to withdraw funding for spaza shops after many locals applied and handed shops back to foreigners.
Speaking at the South Africa Funeral Practitioners Association international conference in Durban on Tuesday, Ndabeni revealed that in the first phase of disbursement of R500 million that was set aside to support the township and rural economy, the government discovered that there were locals who fronted for foreigners.
She said that her department set aside R150 million, while R350 million came from the Trade and Industry Department (DTI); however, the government was disappointed when it discovered that locals applied for funding only to hand over spaza shops to foreigners.
She warned that as her department rolls out the second phase of the disbursement, she would ensure that those locals who front for foreigners do not get funding, saying her department would strictly scrutinise every application to ensure the funding is going to the correct person.
She further stated that there would be follow-ups and inspections of spaza shops that received funding to see who is running them.
“We appeal to locals to stop applying for funding for their spaza shops and handing them over to foreigners. This undermines the country’s efforts to grow the local economy and uplift locally owned businesses. There are no visas for spaza shops and if we discover that the practice continues, we will not hesitate to withhold funding.,”
She also stated that the R150 million from her department is for stock, while R350 million from DTI is for infrastructure, adding that half of the funding has already been disbursed, with KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga emerging as the biggest beneficiaries.
Ndabeni also defended locals for demanding the closure of foreign-owned spaza shops, saying that it was not informed by xenophobia but by unfair trade practices, as there are no visas for foreigners to come here and open spaza shops. It has been reported that many foreigners come through with tourist visas, then convert them to asylum and end up opening businesses.
In response to that, Ndabeni said her department has introduced a Bill in Parliament that seeks to reserve certain sectors of the economy for locals, such as spaza shops.
Furthermore, she promised to assist the burial industry and other small businesses by dealing with red tape that comes with compliance mechanisms from departments such as Home Affairs, Health, and municipalities.
While assisting with the reduction of red tape, she urged small businesses, when new legislation affecting them is being drafted, to participate in public hearings.
She explained that these red tapes they encounter after a Bill has been passed into Act would have been prevented had they submitted their input to the responsible parliamentary committee.
