COSATU elects new leadership and resolves to support ANC and SACP

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) concluded its reconvened national congress with a leadership compromise following internal divisions. Mike Shingange was elected president, supported by the National Union of Mineworkers and the municipal workers’ union, while outgoing president Zingiswa Losi was elected general secretary.

A key resolution from the congress is the decision to support both the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) in the upcoming November 4 municipal elections. This compromise addresses the tension caused by the SACP’s decision to contest the elections independently. Shingange stated that the federation would not pick a single team, noting that many members belong to both political organizations.

The congress also addressed economic pressures facing workers, such as rising living costs, business closures, and retrenchments. Resolutions included demands for greater accountability in political appointments, opposition to outsourcing, and the pursuit of permanent employment for workers in public employment programs.