NEWS ANALYSIS: Ailing Cosatu warns president: better conditions or face rebellion
Cosatu got exactly what it wanted politically at the ANC’s conference in December and in its aftermath, but the slow pace of economic growth and rising unemployment have left the organisation weaker than ever. The labour federation just cannot get a break. It has leapt from one crisis to the next, each time emerging weaker. First came the debilitating factional fight, which led to the expulsion of the National Union of Metalworkers of SA, Cosatu’s largest private sector affiliate at the time; then the disaster wrought by the political mismanagement of the economy by former president Jacob Zuma’s administration; and finally further divisions brought on by the ANC’s bruising succession battle. Cyril Ramaphosa’s emergence as winner of the elective contest and Zuma’s subsequent resignation were both ideal scenarios for the federation: Cosatu was the first to endorse Ramaphosa and first to call on Zuma to resign. Politically, Cosatu has had a brief respite; its biggest challenges now lie...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.