DELEGATES attending the 14th National Congress of COSATU on Monday booed, heckled and displayed “hand signals” at the party’s national chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, as he went on stage to deliver the ANC’s message of support.
Delegates are demanding to be addressed by ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa.
As Mantashe went on stage, hundreds of delegates left their chairs, marched to the front of the venue, and started singing loudly, “Asinamali (We have no money)” while chanting “Hamba Gwede, Hamba (Go away, Gwede, Go away)”.
A drawn out stand-off took place at the stage as delegates refused repeated pleas to allow Mantashe to address the national congress.
Mantashe was finally escorted off the stage by ANC national executive (NEC) members Mmamaloko Kubayi and Lindiwe Zulu.
Last night, Secretary General Bheki Ntshalintshali said Mantashe will most probably address the congress on Tuesday after a meeting with union leaders and national office bearers.
The
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
