Johannesburg - Fierce debates over delegates’ credentials have already stalled the Cosatu special national congress in Midrand on Monday.
Independent Media has reliably learnt that the Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu) has opposed the presence of Cosatu 2nd deputy president, Zingiswa Losi, and new affiliate the Liberated Metalworkers of SA (Limusa). The motion was seconded by the Communications Workers Union and SA Football Players Union who are part of the unions also calling for the reinstatement of expelled general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi and former affiliate, Numsa.
It is understood that Fawu is also making a case for the reinstatement of Vavi and Numsa.
Losi was expelled from Numsa but kept her leadership position after quickly getting a shop stewards post in police union, Popcru. They also do not believe that Limusa should be part of the meeting, accusing its admission into Cosatu of being dodgy.
The Cosatu congress started around two hours later than scheduled. Members of the SA Transport and Allied Workers Union also joined the proceedings late, after they were delayed due to transport problems.
Initially they were not going to attend after they could not agree on matters around accreditation, with some members being kicked out of the caucus.
The congress also starts in the absence of journalists who were shown the door.
Losi told Independent Media that journalists were asked to leave because they were concerned delegates would cause more of a spectacle because of the media. It is not known how long the session will last.
Labour Bureau