History

In 1994, the new democratic government responded positively to the demands of the trade union movement for a commitment to trade union education under the control of the trade union movement. It created a special dedicated fund for this purpose, and supported the formation of DITSELA as an institute that will help build labour capacity to:

• strengthen worker participation in workplace, industrial and political democracy
• strengthen workers intellectual and organising capacity
• build and strengthen a strong vibrant labour movement in SA
• promote the role and importance of workers education

It is supported by the Strengthening Civil Society Fund which is administered by the Department of Labour. Ditsela was officially launched by the Federations and the Ministry of Labour on 29 November 1996 at the Workers Library and Museum. Ditsela started formally operating in January 1997 and Ditsela Western Cape was formed in October 2000, when it merged with the Western Cape Workers College. Over the years, Ditsela has grown to become the leading provider of education, training and support services to the trade union movement in South Africa. Our reputation as a labour institute has also grown beyond the borders of SA.