MANZINI – The Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) is expected to put its differences with affiliates aside and converge at Hlatikhulu for the 2026 May Day celebration tomorrow.
TUCOSWA recently failed to host its quadrennial congress as some affiliates challenged the subscription of some members.
However, despite this, in a statement TUCOSWA Secretary General Mduduzi Gina officially announced the Shiselweni Region as the host for the 2026 Workers’ Day Commemoration, with the main festivities set for Hlatikhulu.
Gina confirmed that the annual gathering will be held at the Hlatikhulu Central High School Sports Ground. The choice of venue brings the national spotlight to the southern region, as the labour movement prepares to reflect on the current socio-economic landscape and the rights of the emaSwati workforce.
The day’s activities are scheduled to begin promptly at 8:30am with a workers’ march. Union members and supporters will convene at the Hlatikhulu Bus Rank before proceeding through the town to the sports ground. The federation has issued an urgent call to all its affiliates to mobilise their membership for what is described as a ‘very important workers’ activity.’
“Affiliates are hereby kindly requested to mobilise membership to attend,” stated Gina. “Your usual understanding and co-operation are appreciated in advance.”
In an interview his deputy Winile Mlotsa, she said workers are invited to attend in numbers.
When asked to respond to a concern raised by SNAT Secretary General Lot Vilakati recently that the failure to elect National Office Barriers during the recently interdicted congress, means those in office have no mandate from membership, she said that was not true.
“The office cannot be vacant. If the congress were stopped, that does not mean work cannot proceed. While we wait for the court processes, we will continue to do the work as NOBs,” he said.
She said the guest list had not been finalised, but the secretariat was still working on such modalities.
President of SNAT Mbongwa Mhlanga said a general council was still to meet today to decide how the teachers’ union will participate in the TUCOSWA May Day.
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A section of the people who attended a May Day celebration at Salesian Sports Ground in this file pic. Tomorrow, workers will commemorate the day at Hlatikhulu, while a similar event will be held at Nhlangano. (File pic)