COSATU Congress stalls over Mike Shingange suspension as NUM demands clarity
The start of COSATU’s elective Congress has been delayed amid a dispute over Mike Shingange’s suspension, with NUM calling for clarity before proceedings continue.
The COSATU Congress has encountered a dispute over the suspension of its first deputy president, Mike Shingange. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has called for clarification regarding Shingange's status before the Congress can proceed. Shingange was suspended by his union, NEHAWU, after he signed a COSATU presidential nomination document against instructions.
The Congress, held from September 14 to 17 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, is focusing on leadership elections. NUM president Phillip Vilakazi emphasized that the issue must be resolved, as Shingange is the federation's first deputy president. Vilakazi warned that unresolved issues could set a precedent for how other union leaders are treated.
The dispute has delayed the start of the Congress, with delegates unable to proceed until Shingange's status is clarified. NUM has publicly backed Shingange for the presidency ahead of the Congress. Vilakazi stated that the leadership contest should focus on who can effectively handle the current political landscape facing workers.
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