The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) will reconvene its postponed 15th National Congress on Monday at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, just over a month after the initial congress collapsed.
Last month’s congress, held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, was expected to elect new leadership but was marred by delays, disputes over delegates’ credentials and infighting among the federation’s affiliate unions.
Central to the dispute were the candidacy and suspension of the federation’s first deputy president, Mike Shingange, who had been suspended by his union just two days before the congress.
Shingange approached the Labour Court to challenge his suspension from the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU), which threatened to prevent him from contesting COSATU’s presidency. The court ruled that his suspension “does not impact his standing at COSATU’s elective congress”.
The matter created divisions among affiliate unions, with some of those supporting Shingange withholding their credentials. As a result, the congress failed to meet the required quorum.
Speaking on YOU FM Newshour following the collapse of the congress, COSATU Secretary-General Solly Phetoe lamented the costs incurred as a result of the failed event.
“We went all out to engage several good Samaritans who had generously agreed to sponsor us for this congress.
“However, as you know, that has now all gone to waste following the collapse of the event.
“We had already paid for flights, venue hire, catering and hotel accommodation for our members and visitors, as well as general transport costs.
“In total, these expenses amounted to R12 million,” said Phetoe.
The federation is, however, confident that the three-day congress will proceed as planned under the theme: “Building a militant, revolutionary labour movement and strengthening anti-imperialist working-class unity to defend jobs and advance socialism.”
According to COSATU, the three-day event will bring together delegates from affiliate unions, alliance partners, and local and international guests. It will conclude with the presentation of the congress declaration and the announcement of the newly elected COSATU national office-bearers.
“COSATU President Zingiswa Losi will deliver the opening address, with messages of support from alliance partners, the African National Congress (ANC), the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO).
“The political, organisational, economic and international reports will be tabled at congress,” read a statement from COSATU.
