UASA Media Release: 14 October 2026
UASA Delegates at the FEDUSA 8th National Congress held at Destiny Hotel in Kempton Park.
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
Affiliates, workers and delegates from across South Africa gathered in Kempton Park today as the Federation of Trade Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) officially opened its 8th National Congress, bringing together organised labour to reflect on past achievements and chart a path forward for South African workers.
Delegates proudly representing UASA joined hundreds of workers from FEDUSA affiliates as the congress commenced. Nearly three decades after the federation’s establishment in 1997, songs of workers’ struggle echoed throughout the venue, serving as a powerful reminder of labour’s enduring role in advancing workers’ rights and social justice.
The opening session delivered a clear and united message: workers remain organised, workers remain united, and workers are prepared to reclaim and shape their future.
Addressing delegates, FEDUSA General Secretary Riefdah Ajam highlighted the strength of the federation’s affiliate-driven structure and the diversity that continues to enrich the labour movement.
She called on delegates to ensure that the congress becomes more than a platform for discussion and debate.
“South Africa’s future is not predetermined. It will be shaped by the choices that we make. Let this Congress be one that will be remembered. History will judge us by our actions,” Ajam told delegates.
A key focus of the congress is the urgent need for reindustrialisation, job creation and skills development as South Africa continues to confront high unemployment levels and ongoing economic challenges.
Ajam emphasised the importance of investing in workers and ensuring that economic growth translates into meaningful employment opportunities and greater job security. “We have the skills, the knowledge and the capacity. The transfer of skills is important. The question we must ask is: How do we ensure that economic growth translates into job security and how do we build a nation where no worker is left behind?”
The opening discussions reinforced the responsibility of organised labour to advocate tirelessly for workers’ rights, decent work, economic justice and a better future for all South Africans.
South Africa’s Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, also addressed the congress, reflecting on the economic and social challenges confronting workers. These include the affordability of electricity, unreliable municipal services, transport difficulties and the need to safeguard the integrity of South Africa’s labour legislation.
Mashatile stressed the importance of building a just, inclusive and sustainable economy that protects workers during periods of economic transition while ensuring employers comply with labour laws.
“Talk is easy, but we must be seen through our actions. We must commit to our actions and turn our resolutions into action,” he said.
He further challenged labour, government and broader society to assess whether enough is being done to expand opportunities for young people in a country where graduate unemployment remains a significant concern and many communities continue to face limited economic prospects.
For organised labour, the opening of the congress served as a timely reminder of the critical role unions continue to play in representing workers in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving world of work.
As the 8th National Congress continues, UASA fully supports the call for workers to remain actively engaged in shaping their future. Workers cannot afford to stand on the sidelines while decisions affecting their livelihoods are being made.
Now is the time to organise, to act and to reclaim the future: a future built on workers’ dignity, workers’ power and social justice.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.