The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has adjourned its 15th National Congress, citing the need to protect the unity and integrity of the federation.
COSATU Secretary-General Solly Phetoe read the statement on Wednesday following extensive engagements among the leadership of the federation’s affiliates.
COSATU described the decision as a “difficult and painful moment”, saying there would be “no winners” if the federation remained divided.
According to the federation, the decision was taken in line with Clause 3.4 of its constitution, which provides that where a quorum is not met, a meeting must be adjourned to a time and place determined by the president, provided that it reconvenes within one month.
“The adjournment provides space for COSATU to reflect honestly, engage constructively and find a way forward to safeguard the unity and integrity of the Federation,” the statement reads.
The federation says its Central Executive Committee will meet urgently to address outstanding issues and begin constitutional, political and logistical preparations for the congress to reconvene.
COSATU has called on its affiliates to return to the congress in a spirit of “comradeship, discipline and collective responsibility”.
It says the focus should remain on workers’ concerns, including unemployment, poverty, inequality, exploitation, retrenchments and the rising cost of living.
“Unity is not only demonstrated when we agree; it is tested most when we disagree,” COSATU said.
The federation has urged its members to use the period before the congress reconvenes to engage with one another, listen and rebuild.
“We dare not fail the workers,” the statement concludes.
