Key Takeaways
- The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) is in ongoing talks to reunite with its former allies, the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) and the Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu).
- Numsa was expelled from Cosatu in 2014, while Fawu left in 2016, both due to disagreements over supporting the African National Congress (ANC) in elections.
- Cosatu has been engaging with Numsa and Fawu since 2018, with the goal of rebuilding unity among workers.
- The process has been slow, but progress has been made, with Cosatu’s national office bearers recently given a direct mandate to lead talks with the two unions.
Introduction to Cosatu’s Reunification Efforts
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has confirmed that it is in ongoing talks to bring back its former founding allies, the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) and the Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu). This move is part of Cosatu’s effort to rebuild unity among workers, which has been a standing mandate of the federation for years. According to Cosatu deputy president Michael Shingange, the union has been engaging with Numsa and Fawu since 2018, with the goal of working together to strengthen the labor movement in South Africa.
Background on Numsa and Fawu’s Departure
Numsa was expelled from Cosatu in 2014 due to the federation’s stance on supporting the African National Congress (ANC) in elections. Fawu, on the other hand, left Cosatu in 2016, citing similar disagreements with the federation’s leadership. The departure of these two unions was a significant blow to Cosatu, as they were both founding members of the federation. Shingange described the absence of Numsa and Fawu as similar to a family member leaving home, emphasizing the importance of unity among workers.
The Reunification Process
The process of reunifying with Numsa and Fawu has been slow, according to Shingange. This is because the unions need to secure buy-in from their members and leadership structures before making any decisions. Additionally, both Numsa and Fawu have joined another federation since leaving Cosatu, which has added complexity to the reunification talks. However, Shingange confirmed that progress has been made, with Cosatu’s national office bearers recently given a direct mandate to lead talks specifically with Numsa and Fawu.
Cosatu’s 40th Birthday Celebrations
Cosatu’s 40th birthday celebrations were held at Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday, which faced logistical setbacks when gates opened at 10am, almost two and a half hours later than planned. Despite the challenges, the event was still considered a success, with Shingange expressing happiness that it happened and was enjoyable. The celebration was an opportunity for Cosatu to reflect on its history and the importance of unity among workers. Shingange emphasized that workers are always stronger when they belong to one house, as their power lies in their numbers.
The Importance of Unity Among Workers
Shingange emphasized the importance of unity among workers, stating that being united allows them to influence policy and political discourse. He also noted that Numsa and Fawu themselves feel the impact of not belonging to Cosatu, highlighting the need for the labor movement to work together to achieve common goals. The reunification of Cosatu, Numsa, and Fawu would be a significant step towards rebuilding unity among workers in South Africa, and would likely have a positive impact on the labor movement as a whole.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cosatu’s efforts to reunite with Numsa and Fawu are an important step towards rebuilding unity among workers in South Africa. While the process has been slow, progress has been made, and the reunification of the three unions would likely have a significant impact on the labor movement. As Shingange emphasized, workers are always stronger when they belong to one house, and the reunification of Cosatu, Numsa, and Fawu would be a significant step towards achieving this goal. The success of these talks will be closely watched, as it has the potential to shape the future of the labor movement in South Africa.
