COSATU begins 15th National Congress to elect new leadership

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has commenced its 15th National Congress in Midrand, Johannesburg. The four-day event, running from September 14 to 17, involves approximately 1,820 delegates from 16 affiliated unions.

A central focus of the congress is the election of new leadership for the federation’s National Office Bearers. Internal competition is expected, with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the SA Municipal Workers supporting Mike Shingange to replace president Zingiswa Losi. Additionally, the SA Democratic Teachers’ Union has fielded Mabutho Cele to contest the first deputy presidency.

Beyond leadership changes, the congress addresses critical political and economic issues. Delegates must decide whether the federation will support the African National Congress (ANC) or the South African Communist Party (SACP) in upcoming local government elections. This decision is complicated by the SACP’s announcement that it intends to contest elections independently.

Economically, the federation aims to address declining membership, rising living costs, and the impact of new technologies on job security and retrenchments.