The two-day special congress meant to unite Cosatu only papered over the cracks. Affiliate unions called for former general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi and the National Union of Metalworkers of SA to be part of the congress.But Cosatu president Sdumo Dlamini yesterday shut down a debate on reinstating Vavi and allowing the expelled Numsa to rejoin the umbrella body.Led by the Food and Allied Workers Union, the rebel unions argued that there could be no unity if Cosatu's leaders continued to ostracise those who held differing opinions.Fawu's deputy general secretary, Moleko Phakedi, said the voting process on Monday night had not been free and fair, and that Fawu would not endorse the declaration document produced at the end of the special congress.The State and Allied Workers Union said Dlamini had only sowed more division in his main address yesterday morning.In it, Dlamini called on those unions boycotting Cosatu meetings to "free themselves" and return home.Dlamini also accused the US of funding plans to bring about regime change in South Africa.Dlamini said: "America is not God. An evil system can also be defeated. Be very careful about organisations from America who are offering funding."There is no free lunch. If somebody gives you money, they want something back from you."The majority of affiliate unions supported the Cosatu leadership for expelling Vavi and Numsa , saying no one should be above the federation.But the dissent from other unions was raucous and ANC leaders who attended the congress looked on in disbelief.Earlier in the day, ANC chairman Baleka Mbete called for unity within Cosatu.She said that delegates "dare not fail' in their mission to find common ground.She added: "United we will confront any threat posed by counter-revolutionary forces, divided we shall fall in one heap like a house of cards."She said that when Cosatu hurt, the ANC also felt the pain.Said Mbete: "None of the alliance partners and its membership can take pride in the disunity threatening to tear our beloved federation apart."A number of delegates exchanged tweets and raised issues on Facebook regarding the direction they felt the trade union federation should take.Most argued that Cosatu will never be the same again even if unity was forged.They said the greatest stumbling block were the factional battles being waged, mostly caused by Cosatu officials jockeying for power and the ANC's failure to intervene positively.At the closure of the congress, Dlamini claimed victory and said the federation was ready to face its challenges head on...