Key Takeaways:
- The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) is considering rejoining its old federation, Cosatu, after being expelled in 2014.
- Numsa’s central committee has decided to meet with the SACP and invite the ANC, EFF, and MK Party to a colloquium to unite the country’s "progressive forces".
- The implications of Numsa’s decision could be far-reaching, potentially leading to a more leftist approach to the economy and government.
- Cosatu has extended an invitation to Numsa to begin talks on its potential return to the federation fold.
- Numsa’s decision does not spell a complete rejection of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu), but rather opens the way for the possibility of a "confederation of trade unions in South Africa".
Introduction to Numsa’s Decision
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa), the country’s largest union, has made a significant decision to enter talks with its old federation, Cosatu, with a view to a potential return to the fold. This decision was made at Numsa’s central committee meeting in December, and it has far-reaching implications for the country’s labor movement and political landscape. Numsa was expelled from Cosatu in 2014 under former President Jacob Zuma, due to its decision to withhold electoral support from the ANC and its decision to expand its scope to organize workers outside the metals sector.
Background on Numsa’s Expulsion
Numsa’s expulsion from Cosatu was a significant blow to the union, and it has since formed part of the newly formed federation, the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu), led by former Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi. However, Numsa’s central committee has now decided to engage with Cosatu on rejoining the federation, citing the need for unity among the left. A senior Numsa leader stated that the union is willing to discuss going back to Cosatu, but that the issues that led to its expulsion must be addressed, including Numsa’s expansion of its scope to include other sectors of the economy.
Cosatu’s Response to Numsa’s Decision
Cosatu has extended an invitation to Numsa to begin talks on its potential return to the federation fold, and insiders say that the federation is keen to unite the left and strengthen its ranks. Cosatu has been dominated by public sector unions since Numsa’s departure and has largely retreated on the labor front in the mainstream economy. The formation of two new unions, a domestic workers union and a taxi industry union, is an indication that the federation remains on the back foot when it comes to organizing in the private sector. Cosatu spokesperson Matthew Parks confirmed that the federation has a standing resolution on talks with Numsa over its potential return to the federation.
Implications of Numsa’s Decision
The implications of Numsa’s decision are potentially far-reaching, and could lead to a more leftist approach to the economy and government. Numsa’s return to the Cosatu fold could swell the ranks of the federation and ensure a decidedly leftist slant towards the economy and the government of national unity (GNU). The ANC’s entry into the GNU, which includes the DA and the FF Plus, has caused consternation among its leftist allies, the SACP and key unions within Cosatu. Numsa seeks to step into the fray within the ANC-led alliance over its tie-up with the liberal DA.
Numsa’s Colloquium Initiative
Numsa’s central committee has also decided to invite the ANC and its key rivals, the EFF and the MK Party, to a colloquium in a bid to unite the country’s "progressive forces". The colloquium aims to engage on the development of a revolutionary program and how to unite formations on how to drive the fundamentals of transforming the economy, address the issues of ownership and control, and address the land question. Numsa hopes to reignite the voice of the left by engaging with Cosatu and the SACP on their own and with the ANC and all parties which have broken away from it through the years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Numsa’s decision to consider rejoining Cosatu is a significant development in the country’s labor movement and political landscape. The implications of this decision are far-reaching, and could lead to a more leftist approach to the economy and government. As Numsa engages with Cosatu and other stakeholders, it is clear that the union is committed to unity and strengthening the left. The outcome of these talks and the colloquium initiative will be closely watched, and will likely have a significant impact on the country’s political and economic future.