COSATU is opening its 15th national congress on Monday, with delegates expected to elect the trade union federation’s leadership and debate its programme for the next term.
The congress follows months of preparation across the federation’s affiliates and comes as workers face pressure from unemployment, rising household costs and technological change in the workplace.
SABC News and eNCA both reported on Monday morning that the leadership election will be one of the central items on the congress agenda.
Jobs and the cost of living
The gathering is also expected to consider the federation’s response to job losses, wage pressure and changes affecting organised labour.
Business Day reported earlier this month that several members of COSATU’s national leadership were available for another term ahead of the congress.
COSATU is South Africa’s largest trade union federation and is part of the governing alliance with the ANC and the South African Communist Party. Decisions taken at its national congress shape the federation’s policy and leadership until its next elective gathering.
The final leadership line-up will be confirmed through the congress process.
