KEMPTON PARK, Gauteng — The newly elected Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) leadership, headed by Mike Shingange as president, has outlined a robust program of action aimed at defending jobs, protecting local manufacturing, and mending fractures within the tripartite alliance following the conclusion of the 15th National Congress.
The three-day congress concluded on Wednesday in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg, under the theme of building a militant revolutionary labor movement and strengthening anti-imperialist working-class unity. The event was reconvened after the initial September gathering collapsed when several unions refused to submit delegate attendance registers in a show of backing for Shingange.
Delegates at the reconvened congress accepted the new top leaders through song and dance. Shingange secured the presidency with 973 votes. Outgoing President Zingiswa Losi transitions into the role of General Secretary. The rest of the newly elected top executive team for the four-year term includes Susan Khumalo as First Deputy President, Mbali Blose as Second Deputy President (uncontested), Gerald Twala as Deputy General Secretary, and Kgomotso Makhupola as National Treasurer.
Prioritizing Job Protection and Local Manufacturing
In his keynote address and subsequent engagements, Shingange emphasized that the federation’s immediate order of business is to implement the resolutions and declarations adopted by the workers. A primary focus will be defending sectors that are currently shedding jobs.
Shingange outlined a multi-dimensional approach to prevent further job losses, which includes engaging with employers, bargaining councils, and government policymakers. A major priority is protecting the local manufacturing sector from the decimating effects of cheap imports, particularly in textiles and raw materials that could otherwise be produced domestically.
Addressing structural pressures such as high operating costs, Shingange noted the federation’s past successes in engaging with the government, NERSA, and Eskom to reduce electricity prices and save jobs in smelters facing closure. He confirmed the federation’s intention to continue these interventions while simultaneously pushing back against imports that destabilize local industries.
Addressing Internal Criticism and Fostering Unity
Responding to public criticism that COSATU has become overly consumed by politics and leadership squabbles, Shingange welcomed the feedback but defended the congress’s recent conduct. He highlighted that the federation deliberately refused to elevate politics over its own unity, choosing not to endorse one political party over another in order to preserve the strategic, united nature of the tripartite alliance.
“We must do something about ourselves first and foremost,” Shingange stated, urging the movement to reunite. He warned that alliance partners must not treat workers “like a pipe of water” that is only opened when needed and closed when not.
Looking forward, Shingange identified key mistakes the federation must correct, including avoiding divisive behavior, ensuring all affiliates are “fit for purpose” and properly servicing their members, and rebuilding cross-sector solidarity. He stressed that sectors like manufacturing must actively support the public sector when it is under siege, rather than fighting in isolation.
Overhauling Local Government Finances
Presenting the federation’s official declaration, General Secretary Zingiswa Losi detailed the congress’s stance on municipal governance. The declaration calls for a fundamental overhaul of local government financing, insisting that the equitable share must accurately reflect the actual cost of delivering services. Furthermore, the congress mandated that municipal maintenance budgets be protected and firmly rejected outsourcing structures that facilitate privatization.
Navigating Tripartite Alliance Tensions
The congress was not without political friction, notably an incident involving the ANC National Chairperson, who walked out after expressing dissatisfaction with the speaking order. The Chairperson had demanded to speak after the South African Communist Party (SACP) and attempted to change the adopted agenda midway through the event.
Addressing the incident, Shingange stated that the demand was entirely out of order. He clarified that, by tradition, the SACP always speaks last at COSATU congresses—a practice that has been maintained in the alliance’s political councils. He noted that it was unprecedented for an individual to demand a mid-congress agenda change without prior arrangement.
Suggesting that “age” might be causing the Chairperson to forget established alliance traditions, Shingange downplayed the walkout as a minor incident in an otherwise highly successful congress. While noting that affiliates have expressed disappointment and may write formal correspondence, Shingange emphasized that the issue is “water under the bridge.”
“We’ve got bigger issues to focus on than to chase individuals and try to explain ourselves to another organization,” Shingange said, adding that the matter will be raised sharply at the next bilateral or alliance meeting to prevent it from fueling further tensions.
