SUMMARY

The Uwusa (United Workers’ Union of South Africa) was founded by Inkhata in April 1986 as an answer to COSATU (Congress of South African Trade Unions), a labour union sponsored by the UDF (United Democratic Front) and ANC (African National Congress). For descriptions of UDF and ANC, see their pages in the database. Inkatha was the largest opponent to the ANC in the struggle to end Apartheid, for more information on this group, see its page in the database. The goal of Uwusa was, amongst other things, to allow Inkhata to get involved in the workers movement. Uwusa was to support a free enterprise system in South Africa, and fanatically opposed sanctions against the country. Uwusa was established in opposition to COSATU. This can for instance be seen at an event at its launch: Coffins bearing the names of COSATU leaders were paraded around and given a dramatic funeral.

Inkhata was alleged of receiving support from forces within the Apartheid-government. The so-called third force operated at times with Inkatha, or did not prevent Inkatha from carrying out attacks. Due to the strong ties between Uwusa and Inkhata, it seems most likely that these forces also indirectly supported Uwusa at times.

In 1988, Uwusa reported to have 150 000 members, but a more realistic number is the 28 706 members reported for 1990. It was led by political veterans from the KwaZulu-Natal province, the geographical base of Inkhata politics.

Uwusa has been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.