KEMPTON PARK, GAUTENG — The COSATU reconvened elective congress was marked by sudden chaos and a high-profile walkout after ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe refused to address delegates before the South African Communist Party (SACP). The incident disrupted what was initially a highly anticipated gathering aimed at resolving the federation’s internal leadership disputes.
The reconvened gathering follows the collapse of last month’s congress, which was derailed by a fierce dispute among affiliates regarding the status of First Deputy President Mike Shingange. Shingange had been suspended by his home union, NEHAWU, after he stood for election as COSATU president without the union’s official blessing.
Alliance Protocol and Speaking Order Dispute
The latest disruption occurred when Mantashe walked out of the venue, expressing dissatisfaction with the speaking order. According to delegates, Mantashe perceived that the ANC should traditionally be the last to address the congress.
First Deputy President Mike Shingange publicly expressed disappointment over the walkout, firmly defending the federation’s independence. “This is a congress of COSATU. COSATU decides how it runs its proceedings,” Shingange stated. He clarified that while the SACP has historically spoken last or on the second day of past congresses, the speaking order was adjusted for this specific event.
Shingange emphasized that workers have historically identified with the SACP as the political party of the working class. He challenged the ANC leadership to bring any grievances regarding the speaking order to a formal alliance meeting rather than dictating terms at a COSATU event. “If the ANC, particularly led by him, wants to have a discussion in the alliance about that fact, sure, they must come to the meeting,” Shingange added.
Political Remarks and Union Influence
Before his departure, Mantashe delivered remarks on the sidelines of the congress warning against the growing influence of certain unions and what he described as “opportunism.” He cautioned that if the balance of forces within the federation shifts away from blue-collar production workers, the federation risks becoming “yellow” rather than “red.”
Mantashe also reiterated the ANC’s ideological stance, stating, “All the time we always stated that we’re not a socialist movement. We’re neither socialist nor capitalist… It is not going to be socialist because it is in a concurrence.” He argued that claiming otherwise would be misleading to society.
COSATU Responds to the Walkout
COSATU spokesperson Zanele Sabela described the overall mood among delegates prior to the walkout as “joyful” and “jovial,” noting a mini-theme of love and laughter that had swept through the venue. She characterized Mantashe’s exit as a “missed opportunity,” noting that delegates were eagerly looking forward to his address.
Addressing the protocol dispute, Sabela clarified that the federation does not adhere to rigid government-style protocols. “There is no protocol. Perhaps he is used to being in government where they have protocols. Here at COSATU, we decide on how things should go,” she explained, emphasizing that as the host, COSATU dictates the proceedings and invites its guests to speak accordingly.
Sabela also pushed back against Mantashe’s comments regarding union demographics and opportunism. She noted that public sector unions currently hold the largest numbers within the federation, while dismissing his references to the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), which left COSATU in 2013. She also defended the mining sector against being labeled a “sunset industry,” affirming that COSATU treasures all its affiliates regardless of their size or sector.
Congress Proceedings and Future Agenda
Despite the late-day drama, the first day of the reconvened congress proceeded with significant organizational business. President Zingis Salosi delivered the opening address, followed by the SACP. A major focal point of the political report was the deliberation surrounding the SACP’s decision to run independently in the forthcoming local government elections.
Logistically, the reconvened congress was a success. Sabela confirmed that all affiliate delegations submitted clean, undisputed credentials, and all unions were present in the plenary, easily meeting the quorum requirements.
Looking ahead, the second day’s agenda includes the presentation of the organizational report, addresses from fraternal organizations such as the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), and a crucial briefing on the upcoming elections for the next National Office Bearers.
When asked if any consensus had been reached regarding the leadership succession, Sabela confirmed that no such agreements had been made, stating that the final decision rests entirely with the delegates’ secret ballot on the final day of the congress.
Financial Fallout of Previous Collapse
The congress also cast a shadow over the financial toll of the federation’s internal divisions. The previous month’s collapsed congress reportedly cost the federation around 12 million Rand.
Sabela acknowledged the heavy financial burden, calling the 12 million Rand expenditure “painful.” While she did not have the exact financial figures for the current reconvened event, she noted that adjourning a congress is an unprecedented event in COSATU’s 40-year history. She expressed hope that th8/e federation has learned from the experience and that such an costly adjournment will never need to be repeated.
