Deputy President Paul Mashatile called on trade unions on Wednesday to position themselves at the forefront of the artificial intelligence transition during the Federation of Unions of South Africa's 8th National Congress in Johannesburg.
AI and Labor Restructuring
Deputy President Paul Mashatile stated that artificial intelligence presents organized labor with a historic challenge and opportunity. He warned that failing to anticipate change and prepare workers could deepen inequality and exclusion.
Mashatile urged trade unions to bargain over workplace data, technological restructuring, and access to upskilling and reskilling. He emphasized that unions must also be able to represent workers in informal, digital, and insecure forms of employment.
Broader Economic Challenges
Speaking at the FEDUSA congress, Mashatile addressed broader national economic pressures, noting that South Africa's economy contracted by 0.2% in the second quarter of 2026. He stated that about 8.5 million South Africans are unemployed, with the official unemployment rate rising to 33.6%.
Mashatile also highlighted that rising electricity costs continue to constrain economic growth and strain household incomes. He said the government is reviewing its electricity pricing policy to balance the needs of vulnerable households with supply sustainability.
Key facts and where they come from
- Deputy President Paul Mashatile called on trade unions to lead the transition to artificial intelligence.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on trade unions to place themselves at the forefront of the transition to artificial intelligence
- South Africa's economy contracted by 0.2% in the second quarter of 2026.
an economy that contracted by 0.2% in the second quarter of 2026
- The official unemployment rate in South Africa rose to 33.6%.
the official unemployment rate has risen to 33.6%.
