FEDUSA Congress calls on unions to organise the future and defend workers in an age of transformation
15 October 2026
For Immediate Release
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association and the largest private-sector affiliate of FEDUSA, welcomes the opening of FEDUSA's 8th National Congress taking place from 14 to 16 October 2026 under the theme "Reclaiming and Organising the Future: Workers' Dignity, Power and Justice through Conscious Unionism in an Age of Crisis."
The Congress brings together trade union leaders, delegates and worker representatives at a critical moment for South Africa's labour movement. In his keynote address, Deputy President , Paul Mashatile reflected on the significant progress made since the adoption of South Africa's democratic Constitution 30 years ago, noting that workers today enjoy constitutional protections including the rights to fair labour practices, collective bargaining, trade union membership and the right to strike.
While these achievements represent major victories for organised labour, the Deputy President cautioned that workers face a new generation of challenges, including economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, automation, artificial intelligence and the rapid digitisation of workplaces.
MISA agrees that AI presents both risks and opportunities. Technological advancement must improve the lives of workers rather than deepen inequality or exclusion. As workplaces evolve, unions must actively engage in negotiations around workplace data, technological restructuring, reskilling and upskilling opportunities, while ensuring that workers retain a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their livelihoods.
MISA Chief Executive Officer of Operations and FEDUSA Deputy President, Martlé Keyter, said: "The future of work must be shaped with workers, not for workers. As unions, we have a responsibility to protect the gains of the past while ensuring that technological change, including AI, serves working people and not only profits. Organised labour remains the strongest voice against exploitation and inequality."
The Congress theme also serves as an important reminder that labour rights cannot be protected through legislation alone. Government must continue to demonstrate respect for organised labour by engaging workers in good faith, strengthening social dialogue and responding meaningfully to concerns raised by trade unions. The democratic gains secured over the past three decades must be protected and expanded through practical action.
FEDUSA, formed in 1997 and now South Africa's second-largest trade union federation, has consistently played a vital role in advancing workers' rights and defending workplace justice. Through its affiliates, it continues to confront exploitation, inequality and unfair labour practices wherever they occur.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager: MISA Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
Media & Communication Department. For Media enquiries please contact Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, MISA's Spokesperson, on 083 367 6417 or email [email protected].
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