Publications
Partners
Labour Q&A with Terry Bell
Fin24 user Wonder Khumalo is of the opinion that labour leaders are too far removed from their constituents. He writes:
South Africa has a very strange tendency where some of our leaders and prominent members of our organisation are flattered to an extent that they begin to see and view themselves outside and even bigger than the very organisation that bestowed upon them the responsibilities of trust.
Due to self serving ends they have become somewhat co-opted or neutralised in the manner in which they perceive things.
All different ideological hues and shades must coexist for so long as organisational and procedure are adhered to - Cosatu has raped its own constitution.
When members hold contrary views to those of the leadership there are more than ample other channels through which they can proceed. It is of my view that Numsa was within its rights not to support the ANC and its ends last year.
Terry Bell responds:
Your views seem to be very widely shared, Wonder. And there are many examples of one-time militant, democratic unionists (and other activists) becoming remote from their constituencies after moving into often quite lucrative leadership positions.
You are also correct in stating that Numsa was within its rights in deciding not to support the ANC.
The Sasbo banking affiliate of Cosatu, for example, even has a clause in its constitution that prohibits Sasbo from affiliating to any political party.
Regards,
Terry
* Add your voice or just drop Terry a labour question. Follow Terry on twitter @telbelsa.
Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on Fin24 have been independently written by members of the Fin24 community. The views of users published on Fin24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent those of Fin24.
Fin24 user Wonder Khumalo is of the opinion that labour leaders are too far removed from their constituents. He writes:
South Africa has a very strange tendency where some of our leaders and prominent members of our organisation are flattered to an extent that they begin to see and view themselves outside and even bigger than the very organisation that bestowed upon them the responsibilities of trust.
Due to self serving ends they have become somewhat co-opted or neutralised in the manner in which they perceive things.
All different ideological hues and shades must coexist for so long as organisational and procedure are adhered to - Cosatu has raped its own constitution.
When members hold contrary views to those of the leadership there are more than ample other channels through which they can proceed. It is of my view that Numsa was within its rights not to support the ANC and its ends last year.
Terry Bell responds:
Your views seem to be very widely shared, Wonder. And there are many examples of one-time militant, democratic unionists (and other activists) becoming remote from their constituencies after moving into often quite lucrative leadership positions.
You are also correct in stating that Numsa was within its rights in deciding not to support the ANC.
The Sasbo banking affiliate of Cosatu, for example, even has a clause in its constitution that prohibits Sasbo from affiliating to any political party.
Regards,
Terry
* Add your voice or just drop Terry a labour question. Follow Terry on twitter @telbelsa.
Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on Fin24 have been independently written by members of the Fin24 community. The views of users published on Fin24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent those of Fin24.
