Since its first and founding congress in Soweto in 1987, NEHAWU has held the following National Congresses.

* 1st National Congress - Soweto - 1987
* 2nd National Congress - University of the Witwatersrand - 1989
* 3rd National Congress - Central Western Jabavu - 1992
* 4th National Congress - Braamfontein, Johannesburg - 1995
* 5th National Congress - International Conference Center, Durban - 1998