Cosatu congress to test ANC alliance

The African National Congress (ANC) and South African Communist Party (SACP) leaders are expected to address the Congress of South African Trade Unions’ (Cosatu) 15th national congress in Midrand, Johannesburg, from Monday to Thursday. The congress will test the alliance between Cosatu, the ANC, and the SACP amid ongoing debate about their partnership.

Cosatu’s final central executive committee (CEC) meeting on August 24 and 25 reflected on the political, organisational, socioeconomic, and international conditions confronting workers. The CEC also assessed progress since the 14th national congress in September 2022.

Cosatu Leadership Elections

The 15th national congress will elect a new Cosatu president, currently Zingiswa Losi; first deputy president, currently Michael Shingange; second deputy president, currently Duncan Luvuno; general secretary, currently Solly Phetoe; deputy general secretary, currently Gerald Twala; and national treasurer, currently Freda Oosthuysen.

Rival SA Federation of Trade Unions general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi is set to address workers affiliated to the National Education and Allied Workers Union on Tuesday, who plan to stage a protest against labour broking at Moreson Pluimvee Boerdery in Brandfort, Free State.

Compensation Fund Awareness Sessions

The department of employment & labour’s Compensation Fund is set to hold awareness sessions on the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Disease Act (Coida) for exempted employers and the hospitality sector from Monday to Tuesday in Kimberley, the Northern Cape. The fund has been holding these sessions since the beginning of the current financial year in several provinces.

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According to the department, the Northern Cape has a total of 1,246 registered hospitality employers, but only 498 are compliant, resulting in a 39.97% compliance rate and 60.03% noncompliance. In Kimberley alone, there are 215 registered hospitality employers, but only 89 are compliant, resulting in a 41.39% compliance rate.

The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the National Youth Development Agency (Nyda) will sign an agreement establishing the National Youth Fund on Monday, aimed at accelerating the growth of enterprises owned by young people and expanding their participation in the economy.

Other Developments

The Madlanga commission investigating criminality, political interference, and corruption in South Africa’s criminal justice system is set to resume its sittings on Tuesday, after a recess from September 3 to September 11. The French Institute of South Africa will host Europe Talks, a round-table discussion exploring the links between democracy, inequality, and mobility, at the University of Cape Town on Wednesday.

Cosatu’s alliance with the ANC and SACP has been under scrutiny, with some affiliates calling for the trade union federation to ditch the ANC and back the SACP in elections. They will provide insight into the future of this alliance and the direction of Cosatu under new leadership.

Cosatu is led by Zingiswa Losi, who will be replaced by a new president during the 15th national congress. The new leadership will face challenges in maintaining the alliance with the ANC and SACP.