Johnathan Paoli
THE Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) says while it respects the decision by the African National Congress (ANC) to form a government of national unity with parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA), it expects the DA to cooperate with the agenda of transformation and ensure the protections of workers.
The trade union congress held a media briefing at COSATU House, its headquarters in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, with General Secretary Solly Phetoe welcoming the signing of the GNU’s Statement of Intent (SOI) and calling for the protection of workers’ rights.
Phetoe said while Cosatu was only briefed and not consulted on the formation of the GNU – it fully expected, with or without the DA – to guard against the reversal of the progress and gains made over the last three decades.
COSATU first deputy president Mike Shingange elaborated on the need for maintaining the country’s path in transforming the lives of its workers, and that this would reflect in their relationship with the ANC within the GNU.
“We will not decide for the ANC, but we will be very happy if the portfolios of trade and industry, labour, and public service are filled by people who are able to advocate the interests of the workers and the public,” said a visibly uneasy Shingange.
He said in light of the national and provincial elections resulting in no clear party with an outright majority, the South African people clearly indicated that different political parties work together.
“We did not contribute in the drafting of the SOI, we were briefed on it, we had our views, but at the end of the day it is a statement by people who intend to get into a marriage, and as you know we are not a part of that marriage,” the DP said.
Shingange said in light of the rushed nature of forming a government after the elections, despite the congress’ previous antagonistic relationship with the DA, they had to accept the SOI and shifted their critique to the potentially undue influence of the blue army within the GNU.
He said Cosatu preferred a minority government instead of a government of national unity.
The relationship between Cosatu and the DA has historically been uneasy with the party marching to the federation headquarters last month.
DA leader John Steenhuisen previously said COSATU House was the “scene of the crime” of the unemployment crisis in the country, and said COSATU has proven itself not to be on the side of the people, but rather the ANC’s cadres and elites.
“The almost 30 years in which the Unholy Alliance between COSATU, the ANC, and the SACP has governed South Africa, has caused record unemployment, and brought misery upon millions of citizens robbed of the dignity of a job and the ability to provide for their families,” Steenhuisen.
In addition, the congress announced a day of national action, which will be a protected strike in terms of section 77 of the Labour Relations act and would be directed at both the private and public sectors.
A date for the action has not been finalised but Shingange said it would be between August and September.
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