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Johannesburg - Delegates from the different unions marched up and down singing and whistling at the start of Cosatu's special national congress at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg on Monday.
The special national congress is being held after a call for it by unions, affiliated to expelled general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi.
The unions want the congress to elect new leaders and reinstate Vavi and expelled metalworkers union, Numsa. However, the Congress of SA Trade Unions has said this is not part of the special congress agenda.
FOLLOW LIVE: Media could be asked to leave Cosatu hall
The unions, who are pro-Vavi and Numsa, are expected to raise these issues from the floor,
Unions said to be pro-Cosatu president Sdumo Dlamini - Popcru, Limusa, Nehawu and NUM - sang disparaging songs relating to Vavi's office affair.
Soon after Cosatu first deputy president Tyotyo James urged delegates not to sing songs targeting individuals.
Delegates from Fawu, Denosa and Saccawu, who are in support of Vavi and the National Union of Metalworkers being reinstated into the trade union federation, sang about Cosatu coming together.
The union were part of the, "Nine Plus" unions which called for the special national congress.
Proceedings had not started by noon, while delegates from different factions continued to sing and dance.
The congress will start with the issue of credentials, however, media have been told they will have to leave the hall. This is the first time credentials at a Cosatu congress will be done behind closed doors.
Some officials from the alliance partners - SA Communist Party and ANC - were attending the congress.
Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor, Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi and ANC parliamentary chief whip Stone Sizani were amongst those attending.
ANC national chairperson Baleka Mbete is expected to address the congress on Monday afternoon.
The special national congress is being attended by 2558 voting delegates.
Eighteen Cosatu unions were in attendance.
Security was relaxed at the start of the congress but once delegates were inside police started to erect metal detectors at the entrance to Hall 2.
