{
  "id": 7093067,
  "title": "Rising cost of living to take centre stage at COSATU Congress",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/rising-cost-of-living-to-take-centre-stage-at-cosatu-congress",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T10:30:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/rising-cost-of-living-to-take-centre-stage-at-cosatu-congress/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The upcoming 15th National Congress of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) will address the rising cost of living confronting workers amid high inflation and elevated unemployment rates. Approximately 1,800 delegates from 16 COSATU-affiliate unions are anticipated to participate in the congress, slated to commence in Midrand, Johannesburg, on Monday. COSATU General Secretary Solly Phetoe confirmed that all preparations are underway for the federation's 15th National Congress, scheduled to begin next Monday.\n\nZanele Sabela, COSATU's national spokesperson, revealed that the congress will delve into the state of the federation, the unions that comprise COSATU, and the challenges workers are encountering. Sabela emphasized the nation's stagnant economic growth, noting that the economy has expanded by only one percent over the past decade. Additionally, she highlighted the high unemployment rate of 43.8%, indicating the pressing need to address the conditions faced by workers, particularly in the evolving world of work, where gig and platform workers are grappling with the most exploitative conditions.",
  "summary": "This is in the midst of high inflation, and staggering unemployment rates",
  "key_points": [
    "COSATU Congress to tackle rising cost of living amid inflation and unemployment",
    "1,800 delegates from 16 unions expected at Midrand congress",
    "Congress to address stagnant economic growth (1%) and 43.8% unemployment"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}