A federation is a type of organization that is composed of smaller units or members, who are joined together for a common purpose or goal. The members retain a certain degree of autonomy, but agree to work together and coordinate their activities through the federation.

Federations are common in various fields, such as trade unions, sports organizations, and business associations. In South Africa, for example, there are numerous trade unions that are part of larger federation of unions, which coordinate their efforts and negotiate with employers on behalf of all their members. The South African Football Association (SAFA) is another example of a federation, as it is made up of several smaller regional football associations.

The structure and governance of a federation can vary depending on the specific organization, but they generally have a governing board or council that makes decisions on behalf of the members and coordinates their activities.