ADVANCED PROTEST ALERT - Nationwide COSATU Industrial Action – 07 October 2025
01 Oct 2025
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has announced plans to embark on nationwide protected industrial action on Tuesday, 07 October 2025. The action forms part of COSATU’s annual National Day of Action and aligns with the Worldwide Day of Decent Work (WWDW).
A Section 77 Notice, submitted to the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) on 16 September 2025, permits COSATU members to participate in protected strike action on this date.
Confirmed
Demonstration Plans (07 October 2025)
Despite limited confirmed details, COSATU has voiced the following intentions in Johannesburg (Gauteng):
- Assembly
Point: COSATU House (Cnr Jorissen & Simmonds Streets, Braamfontein)
from 08:30.
- Picket
Action: Tembisa Hospital from 08:30.
- Planned
March Routes / Destinations:
- Game Johannesburg City (89 Pritchard St, Johannesburg Central).
- Office of the Premier of Gauteng (30 Simmonds St, Marshalltown).
Other provinces may see parallel marches and pickets, although details remain unconfirmed.
Risk Assessment:
- Nationwide
Disruption:
High likelihood of protest activity across major metros and provincial
capitals.
- Business
Disruption:
Potential impact on transportation, logistics, and access control at
workplaces, especially during lunch hours in the build-up period.
- Security
Concerns: Risk
of road blockages, traffic congestion, and sporadic incidents of unrest
at protest sites.
- High-Risk Areas: Gauteng (Johannesburg, Tembisa), KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and other provincial hubs where COSATU has strong presence.
Summary:
COSATU’s National Day of Action on 07 October 2025 is a protected strike under
Section 77 of the LRA, expected to cause nationwide disruption. Demonstrations
will target socio-economic grievances and government accountability, with confirmed
gatherings in Gauteng (Johannesburg CBD & Tembisa).