Cosatu does not work for workers, but for the ANC

23 November 2015 - 02:09 By The Times Editorial

The names of former Cosatu leaders will be remembered today as the trade union federation holds its elective congress. With President Jacob Zuma expected to address the congress, the Cosatu of Elijah Barayi, John Gomomo and the other selfless leaders of the past will celebrate 30 years of struggling for workers.But how the mighty have fallen. Today Cosatu is split as its leaders are more interested in boosting their standing in the ANC than fighting for workers' rights.Its president, Sdumo Dlamini, will try to convince delegates at the congress that his organisation is still relevant to workers.He will dismiss claims that Cosatu is politically bankrupt and dying - and sing the right tune, one that not only assuages Cosatu's remaining members but massages Zuma's ego.Truth be told, workers are losing faith in Cosatu and many are struggling alone against white monopoly capital.With Cosatu in disarray and its alliance partners the SA Communist Party and the ANC facing organisational challenges, we expect nothing concrete out of today's congress.In eight years since Zuma took charge , workers have seen their gains deplete.Zwelinzima Vavi and the National Union of Metalworkers of SA were kicked out of Cosatu after they questioned the ANC's current leadership.It will be interesting to hear what Zuma has to say about the tripartite alliance and Cosatu and whether he will show leadership and acknowledge that all is not well in Cosatu.Thousands of workers within Cosatu have been purged and factionalism has left hundreds of others isolated. There are millions of citizens in dire need of employment.But Cosatu is more concerned about ANC activities than recruiting workers to its ranks.The centre cannot hold and honest leaders are needed urgently to fight for workers' interests...

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