KEMPTON PARK, Monday 12 October 2026 — The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has resumed its 15th National Congress after last month’s gathering collapsed amid leadership disputes, with president Zingiswa Losi calling for unity and defending the federation’s alliance with the African National Congress (ANC) and South African Communist Party (SACP).
The congress formally got under way at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park on Monday, following weeks of internal disagreements that prevented delegates from completing the federation’s elective programme in September.
The gathering comes at a politically sensitive time, with COSATU facing unresolved questions about its relationship with the ANC and SACP ahead of the 4 November local government elections.
The two political parties are contesting the municipal elections separately, placing the labour federation in the position of having to consider its support for competing alliance partners.
Losi warns against internal divisions
Addressing delegates on Monday, Losi acknowledged the damage caused by the collapse of the previous congress.
She urged affiliated unions to put aside leadership disputes and focus on their responsibilities to workers.
Losi warned that internal divisions could weaken COSATU’s ability to confront unemployment, poverty, inequality and exploitation.
She said the federation’s leadership had allowed organisational disagreements to develop into factional disputes that threatened its unity.
The president called on delegates to resolve their differences through engagement rather than further confrontation or litigation.
Her remarks follow an unprecedented disruption in September, when approximately 1,820 delegates were sent home after the congress failed to establish the quorum needed to conduct its business.
Leadership dispute remains central
The earlier congress collapsed following disagreements over the eligibility of first deputy president Mike Shingange to contest the federation’s leadership elections.
Shingange had been suspended by his affiliate, the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU), shortly before the September gathering.
His suspension followed a dispute over his decision to pursue the COSATU presidency.
The matter subsequently reached the Labour Court, which ruled that the suspension did not prevent him from participating in COSATU’s leadership election.
Disagreements between affiliated unions over delegate credentials prevented the original congress from proceeding.
The leadership contest remains important because the federation must elect national office-bearers who will determine its organisational and political direction over the next four years.
Court challenge fails to stop congress
The reconvened gathering also proceeded despite a further legal challenge brought by the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU).
SAMWU had sought to prevent the congress from taking place, raising concerns about organisational readiness, financial arrangements and the notice given to affiliated unions.
The application was dismissed on Friday, allowing the gathering to proceed.
The dispute illustrates the continuing tensions between COSATU affiliates over the conduct of the congress.
However, Monday’s proceedings mark a significant change from September, when disagreements prevented delegates from beginning the federation’s substantive business.
Federation faces financial pressure
The reconvened congress has also placed additional financial pressure on COSATU.
According to correspondence reported by Business Day, general secretary Solly Phetoe requested financial assistance from affiliated unions to cover the costs of holding the gathering.
A letter dated 7 October indicated that the federation required approximately R5.2 million for the reconvened congress.
Eleven affiliated unions were asked to contribute approximately R472,727 each.
Phetoe acknowledged that the request would place additional pressure on affiliates already experiencing financial difficulties.
The federation maintained that the funding was necessary to complete its constitutional processes, including the election of new leadership and the adoption of organisational resolutions.
Losi defends ANC-SACP alliance
Beyond the internal leadership contest, Losi used her opening address to defend COSATU’s longstanding political relationship with the ANC and SACP.
She argued that the alliance remained an important vehicle for advancing the interests of workers and addressing South Africa’s socioeconomic challenges.
Losi called for the political relationship to be strengthened rather than abandoned.
Her position comes as the SACP prepares to contest the 4 November municipal elections independently of the ANC.
The decision has created tensions within the alliance, particularly because COSATU has historically supported ANC election campaigns through its affiliated unions and organisational structures.
Some COSATU affiliates favour continued support for the ANC, while others have expressed support for the SACP.
The federation has not yet announced a final collective position on which party its structures will support in November.
Election decision could affect municipal campaigns
COSATU’s electoral position could have implications for municipalities where the ANC and SACP are competing for the same voters.
The federation’s affiliated unions have historically provided campaign volunteers, organisers and mobilisation networks during elections.
The SACP’s decision to contest independently means those networks could become divided between the two parties.
The issue is particularly relevant in municipalities where relatively small changes in voter support could affect council representation and future coalition arrangements.
COSATU previously allowed affiliated unions to consult their members and develop positions ahead of the congress.
Delegates are expected to consider those positions when determining the federation’s broader electoral strategy.
Losi’s defence of the alliance does not, by itself, constitute a formal decision to support either party.
Congress to elect new leadership
The reconvened congress is expected to conclude with the election of national office-bearers and the adoption of resolutions guiding COSATU’s activities.
Delegates will also consider organisational, political and economic reports.
The outcome of the leadership contest could influence the federation’s approach to relations with government, the ANC and the SACP.
With the municipal elections less than a month away, COSATU’s eventual position on electoral support will be closely watched.
The immediate test for the federation is whether delegates can complete the congress without a repeat of the disputes that forced its September adjournment.
