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Cape Town – Thousands of Numsa shop stewards are expected to converge on the Johannesburg City Hall on Saturday, and will be addressed by Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim and former Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi.
Numsa shop stewards will gather for the launch of the union’s shop steward’s election.
The launch follows the recently held Cosatu special national congress which was called by a third of the affiliates to create unity and cohesion within the federation, after the expulsion of Numsa and Vavi.
In a statement on Friday Numsa said the launch will be taking place amidst “the serious political and organisational paralysis, that are threatening the implosion of Cosatu".
“The launch will coincide with world-wide celebrations in honour of our revolutionary icon, the late President Nelson Mandela. Comrade Mandela occupies a special place in the hearts of workers and the poor of our country,” Numsa said.
The launch will also be addressed by Numsa president Andrew Chirwa.
“Furthermore, the launch will culminate in the election of local, regional and national office bearers, in the many congresses that will take place from the beginning of 2016. As a result, the year 2016, will be a year of congresses for Numsa, where ordinary members will elect their leaders to represent them and drive the work of the union for the next four years,” said Numsa.
Cosatu divided on SNC
Meanwhile, Cosatu unions have showed signs of being divided about the success of the special national congress (SNC). Speaking to News24 on Thursday, Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu) general secretary Katishi Masemola said his union felt that the congress was not managed properly, especially when it came to the voting process.
SA Football Players Union (Safpu) general secretary Thulaganyo Gaoshubelwe agreed, saying Cosatu's constitution was ignored.
SA Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) general secretary Bones Skulu said unity in Cosatu was far from being achieved.
SA Transport and Allied Workers Union general secretary Zenzo Mahlangu said the congress went well and felt that those who were for Vavi's and Numsa's expulsion were vindicated, while the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union and the SA Democratic Teachers Union shared Satawu's sentiments that the congress was a success.
