The collapse of Cosatu's national congress has raised questions about the state of the South African labour movement. According to Mpumelelo Cilibe, a former trade unionist, the current crop of leaders may be more interested in personal gain than serving the workers. Cilibe, who led workers' struggles in Gqeberha in the 1980s, recounted his experience with Cyril Ramaphosa, who was then leading the Council of Unions of South Africa.
Cilibe's story highlights the differences between past and present trade union leaders. In the 1980s, activists like Cilibe fought for workers' rights, often at great personal risk. In contrast, today's union leaders control millions of rand through membership subscriptions and investment arms, which can be a source of corruption. A Cosatu organisational report states that several of its 16 affiliates are plagued by corruption and maladministration.
The Cosatu congress collapse was sparked by disagreements over leadership positions, particularly the succession of Zingiswa Losi as president. However, a survey of Cosatu members found that most do not believe the federation fully represents them. The survey, which polled 904 respondents, identified low wages and the cost of living as key concerns for members.
The rise of the gig economy and casualisation of work have eroded workers' power to bargain with employers. Middle-class employees can turn to legal firms for protection and job security, but blue-collar workers and new entrants to the job market rely on unions. Cosatu's own report notes that several of its affiliates are struggling with corruption and maladministration, leading to a loss of confidence among members.
The leadership question is important, but it should not overshadow the more pressing issues facing workers. The differences between a trade union federation led by Jay Naidoo or Mbhazima Shilowa and one headed by a Solly Phetoe are significant. However, the obsession with leadership positions at the congress detracted from the real challenges facing organised labour.
Cosatu will reconvene its congress on October 12-15 to present its organisational report and address the issues facing its affiliates. The federation's leaders will need to address the concerns of its members, who are increasingly disillusioned with the union's ability to represent them.
The Cosatu congress collapse serves as a wake-up call for the South African labour movement. It highlights the need for a new generation of leaders who prioritise the needs of workers over personal gain. As the labour landscape continues to evolve, Cosatu and its affiliates must adapt to the changing needs of workers and find ways to effectively represent them.
Key points
- Cosatu's congress collapse exposes deeper issues of corruption and maladministration within the federation.
- The rise of the gig economy and casualisation of work have eroded workers' power to bargain with employers.
- Cosatu's leaders must address the concerns of its members, who are increasingly disillusioned with the union's ability to represent them.
