The Secretary-General of SAFTU, Zvelinzima Vavi, and other members of the federation's secretariat have gone unpaid after the organization exhausted its financial reserves, exposing a deepening financial crisis that threatens one of the country's largest independent labor federations.
The federation also reported that there are no guarantees for debt repayment in the near future. According to SAFTU, the funds in the bank account are only sufficient for some employees, while secretariat members have received no payments.
This situation intensified after the expiration of the ten-day period set by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to settle outstanding debt, adding further pressure to the federation's financial standing.
Federation Warns of Existential Threat
SAFTU has characterized the crisis as something far beyond just unpaid wages; it stated that it poses an existential threat to the federation itself and its historical mission of representing and organizing workers.
The federation emphasized that the financial difficulties undermine its ability to implement programs, conduct campaigns, support the struggle of workers, and strengthen working-class unity. The statement noted that this crisis is a hindrance not only for workers associated with SAFTU but also for unemployed individuals, precariously employed workers, and communities fighting poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
Impact on Workers
Acknowledging the personal financial hardships caused by the payment delays, Vavi stressed that the issue cannot be viewed solely through the lens of its staff's problems. He noted that, like other workers, they have financial obligations, including mortgages, rent, vehicle payments, direct debits, and family responsibilities.
Furthermore, some employees engage in domestic work whose income depends on receiving a salary, meaning the consequences of delayed payments extend beyond SAFTU employees themselves. The federation also noted that some direct debits have already gone unpaid due to the lack of salary deposits.
Eight Unions Recognized for Supporting the Federation
Despite the financial instability, SAFTU highly praised eight affiliated unions that continued to meet their constitutional financial obligations. The federation reported that some of these unions went above and beyond their usual duties by paying membership fees several months in advance to help mitigate the crisis.
These unions were commended for preventing the collapse of the federation, and their actions were described as a demonstration of solidarity and commitment to the labor movement. Nevertheless, SAFTU cautioned that the burden cannot continue to rest solely on a handful of affiliated organizations, stating that the current situation has ceased to be a mere financial problem, transforming into a threat to the federation's very existence.
Special NEC Meeting to Address the Crisis
SAFTU has convened a Special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for September 10, 2026, where leaders are expected to address the financial crisis and examine measures aimed at restoring the federation's financial stability. Formal notification of the meeting, along with a comprehensive report on the federation's financial status, is expected to be circulated among affiliated members.
The federation stated that this gathering will require decisive action, as the decisions made will determine the future of SAFTU.
Pledge to Restore and Continue the Workers' Struggle
Despite the severity of the crisis, SAFTU insists on its determination to overcome the financial difficulties. The federation reaffirmed its commitment to defending its program, rebuilding its financial foundations, and ensuring that the sacrifices made by supporting unions are not in vain. It also affirmed its readiness to build an independent, militant, democratic, and worker-controlled federation, stating that it will continue to fight for the interests of the South African working class despite existing challenges.