The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) will reconvene its 15th National Congress from 12 to 14 October at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, a month after its showcase gathering collapsed into chaos at Gallagher Estate.
The federation, which had promised a four-day display of working-class unity, instead spent two days in September deadlocked over credentials, quorum and the fate of one man.
First deputy president Mike Shingange – is now at the centre of why COSATU has had to start over.
Themed “Building a militant, revolutionary labour movement and strengthening anti-imperialist working-class unity to defend jobs and advance socialism”, next week’s congress will bring together delegates from all 16 affiliates, Alliance partners, and local and international guests.
It is expected to conclude with a congress declaration and the announcement of new National Office Bearers.
COSATU President Zingiswa Losi will deliver the opening address, with messages of support from Alliance partners the African National Congress, the South African Communist Party and the South African National Civic Organisation.
The political, organisational, economic and international reports will be tabled.
What was billed as a showcase of power at Gallagher Estate in Midrand never actually started.
By Tuesday afternoon, affiliates remained deadlocked, office bearers were forced to send delegates to lunch and convene an emergency Central Executive Committee, and talks had collapsed.
COSATU spokesperson Matthew Parks confirmed at the time that the constitution was clear on what happens next.
“If after three hours of the time fixed for the meeting, a quorum is not present, the meeting must stand adjourned to a time and place decided upon by the president, provided that the meeting must be held within one month,” he said, citing Section 3.4.2 of the constitution.
