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Cosatu: who supports whom?

Johannesburg - The Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) held its special national congress this week, but not as a united federation.

The embattled Cosatu has been split in its support for the current leadership and expelled general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi.

A group of unions, who are allies of Vavi and expelled metalworkers union Numsa, called for the special national congress.

Originally their call for a special congress was made because it wanted to re-elect new leaders and it wanted Vavi and Numsa brought back into the Cosatu fold.

However, Cosatu's central executive committee set the agenda, and decided that neither leadership nor an appeal by Vavi and Numsa would form part of the congress. This would be done at the ordinary congress to be held later this year.

Eighteen Cosatu unions participated in this week's two-day special national congress. Of the 18, seven are seen to be pro-Vavi or Numsa affiliates, while others are said to be so-called pro-Cosatu President S'dumo Dlamini. But it's not so cut and dry, with some unions split on their support or sitting on the fence.


The so-called pro-Vavi unions:


- The Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu)

Fawu, along with the National Union of Metalworkers, could be seen to be leading the charge of having Vavi and Numsa return to Cosatu. The union has been vocal about its disenchantment with Cosatu under Dlamini, although it has claimed it is not "anti-Dlamini".

- Communications Workers Union (CWU)

The CWU has always been a strong supporter of Vavi's, jumping to his defence on many occasions. Vavi in turn has thrown his support behind the communication workers, especially during the recent MTN strike. Vavi had even tried to intervene on CWU's behalf with MTN. He addressed striking workers outside the telecommunication's company's headquarters in Johannesburg two weeks ago. However, CWU members are said to be split on their support.

- Democratic Nursing Organisation of SA (Denosa)

Denosa is in favour of having Numsa reinstated into Cosatu, but has refused to make any pronouncements on Vavi and his expulsion.

- SA Football Players Union (Safpu)

Safpu has been another union that has been vocal about the call to have Numsa and Vavi reinstated.

- SA Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu)

Saccawu can also be seen as a strong Vavi ally. The expelled general secretary reportedly stepped in to help the union deal with issues pertaining to its liquidated investment company.

- SA State and Allied Workers Union (Sasawu)

At the special national congress, Sasawu was one of the unions which tried to raise the issue of Vavi and Numsa from the floor. It criticised Dlamini for further dividing Cosatu when he "attacked" some affiliates during his opening address.

- Public and Allied Workers Union of SA (Pawusa)

Pawusa has on many occasions said it believes Cosatu has been plunged into paralysis.


The so-called pro-Dlamini unions, who voted for Numsa and Vavi to be expelled:


- National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu)

Nehawu voted in favour of Numsa and Vavi being expelled. It called Numsa "disorderly" and called for those who allegedly wanted to destroy Cosatu to be "surgically removed".

- Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru)

Popcru has called Vavi's conduct "factionalist" and has called Numsa "disgusting".

- SA Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu)

Sadtu in the past had expressed concern that Vavi was becoming a "cult personality". It has stood by the CEC on its decisions to expel Numsa and Vavi.

- National Union of Mineworkers (NUM)

Under former general secretary Frans Baleni, the union was very vocal about its call for Numsa and Vavi to be removed from Cosatu. However, under new general secretary David Sipunzi, the union seems to have a different tone and also seems to be split on where its support lies.

- SA Transport and Allied Workers' Union (Satawu)

Satawu is also said to be split in its support, but its leaders were part of those who voted for Numsa and Vavi's expulsion. Some members protested against the Cosatu leadership at the special congress.

- SA Clothing and Textile Workers' Union (Sactwu)

Earlier this year, Sactwu reportedly broke its silence and denounced Vavi.

- SA Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu)

Samwu has said it is unapologetic about welcoming Vavi's expulsion. However other disgruntled members have joined Numsa’s campaign and are fighting and have been involved in endless court battles with their leaders with their campaign Save Our Samwu.

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