Women in Charge: 5 Facts to know about Zingiswa Losi

Last night, South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa visited the White House for a meeting with President Donald Trump, following a period of heightened tension between the two countries due to recent allegations. Amidst it all, one figure stood out, Zingiswa Losi. South Africans applauded her steadfast leadership during the visit, as she delivered a powerful and courageous statement that highlighted the ongoing struggles facing the nation. Her words resonated deeply, and now that many have become familiar with this influential woman, the country is eager to learn more.

Here are five key facts about Zingiswa Losi.

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1. First Female President of COSATU

In September 2018, Zingiswa Losi made history by becoming the first woman elected as President of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), the country's largest trade union federation. She was re-elected unopposed in 2022, reflecting her continued influence and leadership within the labour movement.

2. Early Life and Military Service

Born on 2 October 1975 in KwaZakhele, Port Elizabeth, Losi grew up in a politically active family. She joined the South African National Defence Force in 1996, serving as a technical assistant in the Air Force until 1999. Her experiences in the military, particularly challenges faced as a young mother, sparked her interest in labour rights .

3. Rise Through the Labour Movement

After leaving the military, Losi worked at Ford Motor Company in Port Elizabeth, where she became a shop steward for the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) in 2002. Her leadership skills led to her election as COSATU's second deputy president in 2009, a position she held until her historic election as president in 2018.

4. International Roles and Recognition

Beyond her national duties, Losi holds significant positions in international labour organisations. She serves as President of the Southern African Trade Union Coordinating Council (SATUCC) and is a member of the International Trade Union Confederation’s General Council. In June 2024, she was elected to the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for the 2024–2027 term

5. Political Engagement

Losi has been actively involved in South African politics, serving on the National Executive Committee of the rulling party in 2017 until 2022 and as a member of the Central Committee of the South African Communist Party (SACP) since 2017. Her political roles underscore her commitment to advocating for workers' rights within broader political frameworks .