STATESMANLIKE: DEPUTY PRESIDENT PAUL MASHATILE PUTS WORKERS AT THE CENTRE OF AI FUTURE
By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief
The Azanian | Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.
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KEMPTON PARK -At a time when many leaders run away from difficult questions, Deputy President Paul Mashatile stood before workers and told the truth about the future.
Delivering the keynote address at the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) Eighth National Congress in Johannesburg, Deputy President Mashatile showed why he is a leader who listens to the ground.
Held under the powerful theme “Reclaiming and Organising the Future: Workers’ Dignity, Power, and Justice through Conscious Unionism in an Age of Crisis,” the Congress brought together labour, government, business and international organisations to find solutions.
Mashatile did not speak in slogans. He spoke as a leader with a plan.
“The rise of artificial intelligence presents organised labour with a historic challenge and opportunity,” Mashatile said.
He called on trade unions to be at the forefront of the AI transition, to champion policies that put people at the centre, to bargain over workplace data, technological restructuring, and to fight for upskilling and reskilling.
“Those who anticipate change and prepare workers with the skills, protections and voice needed in the digital economy will help shape the future.”
He warned that if unions fail to lead, technological change will deepen inequality and exclusion.
Mashatile challenged FEDUSA and employers: Despite our progressive labour laws, the labour market still reflects inequalities of race, gender and disability, especially at senior management.
“Legislation alone will not achieve transformation. Employers must address unequal recruitment, pay disparities and inadequate skills development. Trade unions must monitor equity plans.”
He said transformation must be seen in the structure of the economy, not just on paper.
The Deputy President showed he understands what South Africans feel at home. He expressed concern that electricity has become increasingly expensive, weakening industries like steel, ferroalloys and chemicals, and straining household incomes.
“We cannot build our industry without addressing electricity affordability,” he said, revealing that government is reviewing electricity pricing to balance vulnerable households, supply sustainability and industrial competitiveness, and is tackling poor maintenance, theft and weak revenue management in municipal distribution.
With the economy contracting by 0.2% in Q2 2026 and unemployment at 33.6% - 8.5 million South Africans without work - Mashatile said South Africa’s most urgent task is to achieve stronger growth and create jobs that reduce poverty.
“These figures represent people unable to provide for their families, graduates unable to enter the labour market,” he said.
For government, he said, it requires competent administration and accountability. For business, responsible investment and fair employment. For labour, democratic leadership, accountability to members and ethical conduct.
“Our democratic settlement was built on the conviction that negotiation could resolve differences. We must renew that conviction through our actions,” Mashatile concluded.
A Deputy President who speaks for workers, for jobs, for affordable electricity, and for a future where no one is left behind.
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