The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) is the second largest national trade union center in South Africa. History The federation was founded on 1 April 1997, when the Federation of South African Labour Unions merged with the Federation of Organisations Representing Civil Employees. Many affiliates of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions also joined. On founding, about 80% of its members were white-collar workers, and 70% were white. The federation worked closely with the World Confederation of Labour, but did not affiliate. Instead, in 1998, it affiliated to the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, and has continued membership of its successor, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). In 2006, it began negotiating a merger with the rival National Council of Trade Unions. They formed an umbrella organisation, the South African Confederation of Trade Unions, in 2007, but it achieved little, and the two federations remained independent. The federation has favoured negotiation over industrial action. In 2015, it advised its public sector affiliates to accept a pay rise lower than that offered, in order to reduce government expenditure. It has placed a strong focus on its union education programme. In 2019, its long-term general secretary was dismissed after being accused of corruption. By 2020, it claimed a membership of 700,000, although the ITUC quoted a figure of 500,000. Affiliates Current affiliates The following unions were listed as affiliates, as of 2021: Former affiliates Leadership General Secretaries 1997: Chez Milani 2006: Dennis George 2019: Riefdah Ajam Presidents 1997: Mary Malete 2008: Danie Carstens 2011: Koos Bezuidenhout 2016: Godfrey Selematsela References External links 1997 establishments in South Africa International Trade Union Confederation National trade union centres of South Africa Trade unions established in 1997 Trade unions in South Africa