The Spear of the Workers

Independent Democratic Union of South Africa

Section A: About IDUSA

What is the full name of IDUSA?

Independent Democratic Union of South Africa.

What is the slogan of IDUSA?

Spear of the Workers.

When was IDUSA formed?

IDUSA was formed on 1 May 2019 and was formally registered with the Department of Employment and Labour on 6 November 2019.

Which sectors does IDUSA organise in?

IDUSA is a multi-sector union that organises and services workers in all sectors and all provinces in South Africa, except those designations excluded by the Labour Relations Act.

How much is the union subscription?

The union subscription is R80.00 per member per month, as adopted by the congress on 23 July 2025. This figure may change from time to time as stipulated by the constitution.

How do I pay my subscriptions after joining?

Subscriptions may be paid in various ways: via payslip (when the employer deducts via your payslip), by debit order, in cash at the union offices, or by EFT to the official union bank account: FNB — Acc No: 63092730746 — Cheque Account — Ref: Your Name/Company.

What are the operating hours of IDUSA?

Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 17:00. Saturday: 08:00 – 13:00. Sundays: closed.

Who is the Secretary General and the President of IDUSA?

President: Mr. Ronald Rapudi — 082 431 4687 (Calls, WhatsApp and SMS) — rapudi@idusa.org.za. Secretary General: Mr. Godwin Ratikwane — 083 260 8823 (Calls, WhatsApp and SMS) — info@idusa.org.za, info.idusa@gmail.com, godwin@idusa.org.za.

Section B: Joining IDUSA

How can one join IDUSA?

You can join IDUSA manually by requesting or downloading our form from the website, by contacting one of our officials to visit you or your company, or online at https://www.idusa.org.za/cp/37028/join-now.

Does IDUSA have a joining fee?

No. IDUSA does not have a joining fee — you are only liable to pay 30 days after joining.

Does IDUSA have a waiting period after joining?

No. Once you join IDUSA and you are properly employed and not undergoing a disciplinary hearing, you can be represented right away.

Can you join IDUSA when dismissed?

No. IDUSA services members that belonged to IDUSA prior to their dismissal. Should there be compelling reasons for representation after dismissal, the Secretary General will assess that case before the employee is accepted as a member.

Which provinces can I join IDUSA from?

IDUSA can be joined in all provinces and services all workers in all 9 provinces of South Africa.

Can I join IDUSA alone in the company?

Yes, you can join alone as a worker. However, it becomes difficult to be fully represented on issues that require majority or representativeness.

Can I join IDUSA as a supervisor or manager?

Yes, however we do not encourage people in the highest of authority to join due to conflict of interest, especially those entrusted with discipline at a workplace. This is a case-by-case scenario; clarity can be obtained from the Secretary General, who is the final arbiter.

After I join, how long until I am represented or IDUSA is recognised?

Once the membership is submitted, it takes about 1 to 2 months to obtain organisational rights if the employer does not object. Where employers do not comply with the LRA, the union uses the CCMA, bargaining councils and Labour Court. This process is generally referred to as Section 21.

Section C: Rights of a Member & Benefits

What happens if I have a problem at work and I am a member?

Elect a representative / shop steward to receive complaints and be trained to deal with workplace problems. Alternatively, contact IDUSA via the WhatsApp group, call or WhatsApp 064 664 1044 or 012 652 3175, or ask your shop steward for assistance. If you are not getting assistance, contact the Secretary General or President on the numbers provided.

What is a shop steward?

A shop steward is a representative of the workers elected by the workers at the workplace. A shop steward, much as an employee of the company, is also a representative of the union at the workplace and will be trained by the union to handle workplace/shopfloor problems.

Does IDUSA represent all members directly?

Yes and no. IDUSA represents shop stewards directly and trains them to represent members at the workplace. Once a case is referred externally to the CCMA, bargaining council or Labour Court, IDUSA represents all members including shop stewards directly.

Can IDUSA negotiate my salary or other benefits?

Yes. Annually, IDUSA negotiates salaries and other benefits such as provident/pension funds and danger allowances for all its members.

What are the other benefits of IDUSA membership?

Collective bargaining (salary and benefits), representation at the CCMA and bargaining councils, representation at the Labour Court (if the Case Management committee deems fit), Department of Labour escalation of enquiries, free will and estate planning, free legal advice on labour and work-related matters, and free CV revamp services.

How do I contact IDUSA?

Telephone: 012 652 3175. WhatsApp: 064 664 1044 (calls, SMSes and WhatsApp).

Who are the senior leaders and how do I contact them?

Secretary General: Mr. Godwin Ratikwane — 072 919 2944 (call and WhatsApp). President: Mr. Ronald Rapudi — 082 431 4687 (call and WhatsApp). Alternatively, visit the union offices: Office 701, Protea Towers (next to Paul Kruger Square), 246 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria CBD, Pretoria, 0002. Website: www.idusa.org.za.

Does representation extend to bargaining councils across the country?

Yes, we represent all workers in all provinces.

What are my rights as a member?

As a union member you have an obligation to ensure you are in good standing, pay your subscriptions and comply with the constitution. Your rights include: to be represented in various forums such as DC hearings (if allowed), the CCMA, bargaining councils, meetings and the Labour Court; to receive services within the scope of the union; to participate in meetings and organisational activities; to make internal constructive criticism and self-criticism without fear or favour; and to receive information on all aspects of policy, guidelines and programmes of action.

What are my duties and obligations as a member?

Pay your subscriptions consistently; be loyal to IDUSA and respect the constitution, resolutions and structures of IDUSA; recruit, strengthen and defend IDUSA by any means necessary; put the interests of IDUSA and its members above your individual interests; and constantly learn and improve your political consciousness on Marxist, Leninist and Fanonian philosophical thought and tools of analysis.

Section D: Conduct of the Officials

Is a union official allowed to hold a meeting with employers without the witness or shop steward from the company?

No. Union officials are not allowed to automatically attend any meetings with employers without a representative of the workers in the form of either the shop steward or a witness in cases where workers/members have not yet elected their shop steward/representative.

How do I report an official that is conducting him/herself in a wrong manner?

Should you suspect or have a complaint against a deployed union official, you should contact either the Secretary General or the President of IDUSA for further investigation.