Mike Shingange elected as new COSATU president

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has elected a new leadership team during its reconvened 15th national congress in Kempton Park. Mike Shingange, president of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu), was elected president after defeating Mabutho Cele by 973 votes to 836.

Zingiswa Losi returned as general secretary, securing 996 votes against incumbent Solly Phetoe. The new leadership also includes Susan Khumalo as First Deputy President, Mbali Blose as Second Deputy President, and Gerald Twala as Deputy General Secretary. This leadership team will guide the federation for the next four years.

In his inaugural address, Shingange called for internal unity and a commitment to strengthening the Tripartite Alliance. He cautioned against opportunistic partnerships, stating that alliance partners must not be treated like a pipe of water that is only opened when needed. The congress follows a previous attempt in September that failed due to credential issues and reported political rifts between the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP).