UASA

UASA UASA is a registered South African trade union. In these turbulent times and instability in the workplace, can you afford not to belong to a trade union?

UASA Members We thank you for being the roots that hold us together. May this festive season bring joy to you and your l...
12/12/2025

UASA Members We thank you for being the roots that hold us together. May this festive season bring joy to you and your loved ones and may 2026 be a year of growth, unity and prosperity for all.

UASA Members please note of our Office Closure from the 12 of December at 16:00 and will re-open on the 5th of January ...
12/12/2025

UASA Members please note of our Office Closure from the 12 of December at 16:00 and will re-open on the 5th of January 2026.

UASA Members Please see our Standby Roster for the Festive Season.
12/12/2025

UASA Members Please see our Standby Roster for the Festive Season.

12 December 2025 Facing holiday blues from social media? Here is how to cope the right wayHave you ever heard the expres...
12/12/2025

12 December 2025

Facing holiday blues from social media? Here is how to cope the right way

Have you ever heard the expression, “Comparison is the thief of joy”?

This is especially important around the holidays, when individuals spend more time on social media. On social media, there is an overwhelming tendency to compare ourselves to others. When you compare your life to the lives of others or what you thought your life would be, how can you experience joy?
Comparing makes us lose sight of the present and gives power to an uncontrollable circumstance. Even while many people believe that the festive season should be the happiest time of the year, depression frequently rises during this time, and many people dread the holidays. So what is the challenge and how can you cope with social comparisons?

Look at the bigger picture

Firstly, you have to notice when you are comparing yourself to others and nowhere is this easier to see than on social media platforms. When people catch mere glimpses of others’ lives via social media, they start missing the bigger picture of a complete person who has both the joy we see them publicly celebrating and also pain. In modern society, we rarely witness a realistic image of actual life because everything is glamorised and vulnerability is rarely displayed. When our lives are not as ideal as others’ appear to be, it becomes simple for us to construct narratives about what our lives should be and to develop a persistent sense of dissatisfaction.

Connect with your values

A thoughtful approach to social media use is grounded in values. Consider why you are using social media when you log in. Maybe you are checking in to learn something, to share in the happiness of others, or to stay in touch with loved ones. In general, social media apps can support you in upholding your moral principles, but this is less likely if you use them to escape reality. Consider whether you can be in the present while utilising them. Be mindful of whether it is fostering a negative mind-train that compares and leads to depressive thoughts, or if it is assisting you in recognizing the value of being connected.

Challenge unhelpful thoughts

If using social media platforms makes you feel depressed or anxious, you have the power to defuse these unhelpful thoughts. You can challenge them, unhook from them and detach from such thoughts before they consume you. Additionally, you may choose to use these tools less until you feel you are fulfilling your values of connection without negative repercussions.

Go offline

Spend some time offline reflecting on what you consider a worthwhile existence. Richer, more attractive, intelligent, and successful people will always exist, but even they face difficulties in their own lives. Comparative competition is an unwinnable game. Can you focus on what you truly want for yourself and let go of the rope in the tug-of-war of wanting to be like others?

The new year is right around the corner, this is a great time to become aware of your struggle with social comparison, your feelings of loneliness and your stressful thinking patterns. You can learn to develop a transcendent sense of self, live in the present, and take action guided by your deepest values to create a rich and meaningful life.

Ref: www.lyrahealth.com www.uasa.org.za

UASA Media Release: 11 December 2025 Slight increase in employment in third quarter, but year-on-year shows a decrease ...
11/12/2025

UASA Media Release: 11 December 2025

Slight increase in employment in third quarter, but year-on-year shows a decrease

Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:

UASA notes the latest Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) released by StatsSA with caution, which show a slight increase in employment during the third quarter of 2025.
Total employment increased by 29,000 jobs (0,0,3%), rising from 10,52 million to 10,55 million.

This growth was primarily driven by gains in the community services sector, trade industry and mining. Electricity and transport industries remained unchanged. However, job losses were reported in several key sectors, including business services, manufacturing, and construction.

While UASA is pleased that employment improved quarter-on-quarter—an encouraging economic indicator as the year draws to a close—the union remains concerned about the broader year-on-year trend. Employment decreased by 79,000 jobs (-0,7%) between September 2024 and September 2025, underscoring the fragile state of the labour market.

These employment figures must be viewed in conjunction with recent developments at Samancor Chrome, where the company narrowly avoided issuing Section 189A retrenchment notices scheduled for January 2026. The halt follows after the company raised serious concerns about the unsustainable impact of rising electricity tariffs on its operations and the government stepping in with negotiations.

This temporary relief exposes a more profound economic vulnerability. Rising electricity costs pose a significant threat, capable of crippling industries, pushing companies to the brink of collapse and placing thousands of workers at risk.

Samancor Chrome's near-implementation of Section 189A should serve as a critical warning that, without proper action to stabilise electricity prices and reduce operational burdens on companies, South Africa risks further job losses and a weak-performing economy.

As employment figures show a slight quarterly improvement, UASA urges the government to create an environment in which companies can grow rather than struggle under rising cost pressures. Temporary interventions are not enough. Sustainable reforms in electricity pricing, infrastructure and industrial support are essential to ensure long-term security and economic competitiveness.

Workers cannot live in fear of losing their jobs due to challenges beyond their control. Energy affordability and business sustainability must become top national priorities.

For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.

UASA Media Release: 11 December 2025 Samancor Chrome halts Section 189A process despite severe electricity cost challeng...
11/12/2025

UASA Media Release: 11 December 2025

Samancor Chrome halts Section 189A process despite severe electricity cost challenge

Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:

UASA welcomes Samancor Chrome’s announcement that it will not proceed with issuing Section 189A notices on 14 January 2026. The company’s decision follows discussions with the government, Eskom, and industry stakeholders after facing challenges caused by rising electricity prices.

During a meeting with the company, the government acknowledged that the requested electricity price is essential for sustainable operations and committed to working towards achieving this in the near future.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with Eskom, and a task team has been established to develop solutions, subject to approval from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

UASA is pleased that workers will not face the immediate threat of job losses and that Samancor Chrome engaged constructively with stakeholders, avoiding the Section 189 process while negotiations continue. However, UASA warns that this situation highlights a more significant issue—the severe impact of South Africa’s high electricity tariffs on both businesses and consumers.

Rising power costs are crippling industries such as mining and manufacturing, pushing companies to the brink and risking thousands of jobs.

The near-implementation of Section 189 at Samancor Chrome should serve as a wake-up call for the government to urgently address the effects of escalating tariffs on economic stability, competitiveness and employment.

Even though the situation at Samancor Chrome has been addressed, the underlying risk remains as long as electricity tariffs continue to rise without a viable solution.

The government must take decisive action to stabilise electricity prices. Temporary measures cannot replace long-term, sustainable reforms.

Samancor also noted that the company will review its position at the end of January 2026 before making any further decisions and meetings will be held with all stakeholders on the way forward.

For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview,
contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.

UASA Sector News: 10 December 2025UASA congratulates Christiaan du Plessis on long service In Picture - From Left: UASA ...
10/12/2025

UASA Sector News: 10 December 2025

UASA congratulates Christiaan du Plessis on long service

In Picture - From Left: UASA CEO Jacques Hugo, Christiaan du Plessis and CCO Asif Jhatham.

Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:

UASA congratulates Christiaan du Plessis, IT & Network Leader at UASA Head Office on 5 years of loyal service.

We thank Christiaan for his years of service and we look forward to many more years of his hard work and dedication to serving UASA members.

UASA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jacques Hugo and Chief Corporate Officer (CCO) Asif Jhatham handed Christiaan his long service certificate, acknowledging his years of dedicated service to the organisation.

For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.

International Human Rights Day.Know your rights - fight and defend them!
10/12/2025

International Human Rights Day.

Know your rights - fight and defend them!

Protect women Everywhere!!
10/12/2025


Protect women Everywhere!!

Your partner in financial wellbeing!!Visit www.uasa.org.za to learn more about UFS offering for our members.
08/12/2025

Your partner in financial wellbeing!!

Visit www.uasa.org.za to learn more about UFS offering for our members.

Address

Constantia Ridge Office Park, Block B, 231 Panorama Drive, Constantia Kloof
Roodepoort
1709

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00
Thursday 08:00 - 16:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone

011 472 3600

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when UASA posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to UASA:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram