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Johannesburg - There was plentiful evidence at the delayed Cosatu special congress at the Gallagher Estate in Midrand that, despite claims to the contrary, Cosatu unions are split, several of them right down the middle.
Almost equal numbers of delegates from “loyalist” and “dissident” unions maintained a steady chorus of songs as a large section of seating in the centre of the hall remained empty.
READ: Cosatu congress: what to expect
The empty seats are for delegates of the transport union, Satawu, who, according to a number of unionists on both sides of the divide, had a “hectic” caucus until late last night trying to decide on who should represent the union and what position to take.
The congress was scheduled to start at 11:00, but, according to Cosatu president S’dumo Dlamini, the Satawu delegates only left their East Rand hotel some 30 minutes after the scheduled opening.
Instructions were also given from the platform that it was perfectly acceptable to sing songs in favour of any leader, but not to sing songs against leaders. This was generally adhered to, with most songs in praise of either Dlamini or Vavi.
The senior uniformed police officer watching from the back of the hall, seemed amused as the chanting, singing groups passed by. He noted that they were “good humoured”, but he admitted that “if they get out of hand” he had “50 officers at the back”.
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