Tuesday, 17 March 2026: - The South African Communist Party (SACP) wishes the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), an affiliate of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), a successful 13th National Congress, as it begins today until Thursday in Mbombela, Mpumalanga. The congress is held under the theme, “Towards Four Decades and Beyond in Defence of Workers’ Interests”.

The SACP also congratulates and appreciates the 12th SAMWU National Congress leadership for their stellar efforts in leading the union from a difficult period in 2020 as the country was mired in a difficult period characterised by the ravages of the Covid-19 and its related lockdown measures which had an impact on many municipal workers.

Since its 12th Congress in 2020, in continuation of its work since its founding in 1987, SAMWU has waged relentless fights in defence of municipal workers’ rights, including pushing back against attempts to deny them their rightful political rights in the country. The union has also consistently fought against all forms of corruption in the municipal space all while consolidating the unity of the union and Cosatu.

As the country prepares for the local government elections, the working class has the duty to consolidate its gains over the years. It is thus imperative that the working class and poor unite in fighting against capitalist exploitation and build a strong united front in defence of their rights. In this regard, the SACP is working with various left forces towards the National Conference of the Left as part of the practical efforts towards building a popular left front for popular power.

Towards SAMWU’s 40th anniversary and beyond, the Party will continue to play its vanguard role in strengthening the trade union movement in defence of workers’ rights. The SACP further pledges to continue contributing towards the galvanisation of the trade union movement’s strength politically, organisationally and ideologically.

The SACP conveys its wishes for fruitful engagements and a successful 13th National Congress to SAMWU.