Cosatu buries hatchet with Motlanthe

Trade federation Cosatu has buried the hatchet with former state president Kgalema Motlanthe after a meeting in which the two parties ironed out their differences.

Cosatu had taken exception to remarks attributed to Motlanthe that the tripartite alliance was dead and that the SA Communist Party (SACP) and the ANC had lost their way‚ with the alliance now existing in name only.

He was also quoted in media reports as criticising Cosatu for its dismissal of its former general-secretary Zwelinzima Vavi and member trade union Numsa.

"You have a situation when the office bearers actively go and divide the unions. I can't think of anyone who claims to be a trade unionist who can‚ with clear conscience expel 350‚000 workers. It is unheard of‚" Motlanthe was reported as saying.

The reports irked the ire of Cosatu. However‚ it said that at a meeting with the trade federation’s national office bearers on Wednesday morning‚ Motlanthe had given the context in which the reported statements were made.

The Cosatu leadership had also “clarified him on some issues that he raised”‚ it said.

“It was a cordial and constructive meeting‚ where all the parties agreed to respect the decisions taken by the constitutional structures‚ of the respective alliance formations and to always raise any matters openly with those involved‚” Cosatu added.

It said the last few years had been very difficult for the federation and that some historic‚ unfortunate but unavoidable events have taken place within the federation.

“This represented a very difficult period that tested the unity of the workers. As Cosatu‚ we want to make it clear that we are still committed to the principled unity of the workers and we will continue to ensure that Cosatu remains the home of all workers of South Africa.

“Going forward‚ we will continue with our open door policy that allows all forme rCosatu and alliance leaders to engage with the federation anytime they wish to do so. The federation is open to engagement and advice and we have space for the voices of the former leaders of our federation and the entire revolutionary alliance‚” Cosatu stated.

“We respect Comrade Motlanthe and continue (to) value his views and opinions. He is one of the leaders that we are proud to have produced as the trade union movement. The matter is officially closed and the federation will not comment any further on it‚” the trade federation stated.

RDM News Wire.