Mantashe walks out of COSATU congress
Mantashe was leading the ANC's delegation to the federation's reconvened congress.
African National Congress (ANC) national chairperson Gwede Mantashe abruptly left the Congress of Trade Unions’ (COSATU) National Congress in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg. Mantashe was representing the ANC delegation at the reassembled congress. He was unhappy with the order of speaking, insisting he should address the assembly last, as is the customary tradition.
Efforts made by COSATU General Secretary Solly Phetoe and Veterans League President Snuki Zikalala to convince Mantashe to remain were unsuccessful. Earlier, COSATU President Zingiswa Losi advocated for unity within the labor federation, cautioning that internal rifts could weaken the movement. Losi's keynote address was delivered amidst escalating divisions within the tripartite alliance due to the SACP's decision to contest the November 4th local government elections separately.
She emphasized that the alliance remains the most effective and progressive political force for advancing workers' struggles and vowed to stay united despite challenges.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
