As South Africa continues to grapple with an unemployment rate sitting at 31.4%, and millions of others choosing to not seek employment, we are in conversation with Political Analyst, Thobani Zikalala as we unpack the relevance and power of organised labour. Trade unions have long played a critical role in advocating for workers’ rights, fair wages and improved working conditions, but in today’s shifting labour landscape, their role is being tested with the rise of casual work, labour brokering and short-term contracts is changing the way people work, often leaving workers without stability or protection. These trends are not only reshaping the economy, but also fragmenting the workforce, making it harder for workers to organise and speak with one collective voice. So, what does this mean for the future of organised labour? Are trade unions still equipped to respond to these challenges?