CONCERNED that only half of eligible voters were registered and only half of those registered cast their ballots during the 2026 local government elections, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) is demanding legislative changes.
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The union federation announced on Monday, 9 November, that it’d submit proposals to the government and Parliament to extend voting hours and declare election day a non-trading public holiday so that non-essential workers could vote without fear of losing their wages or jobs.
Cosatu says millions of voters stayed away from the polls because of frustration, pain and anger over poor public service delivery, unemployment, and a stagnant economy.
Addressing its alliance partner directly, the federation stated: “It’s no exaggeration to state that voters have sent in a final warning.”
The ANC has been warned that it could lose the confidence of voters for good, if it fails to intensify its renewal campaign and remove corrupt elements.
While congratulating the ANC and the SACP on their successes, Cosatu called for strict oversight in municipalities going forward.
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The union federation warned against “coalitions formed merely to secure positions or tenders”, demanding that they prioritise working-class communities instead.
Furthermore, Cosatu said national and provincial governments, Parliament and Cogta must strengthen oversight over municipalities and act swiftly when they fail to improve service delivery, respect workers’ rights, and appoint qualified managers.
