Chants rose above the noise of delegates as Mike Shingange was announced as the new president of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), replacing Zingiswa Losi who swapped the seat for a role in the organisation’s administrative engine room.
In a twist at the reconvened congress, after the first attempt collapsed due to his status as he faced suspension on the eve of the congress, Shingange secured 973 votes defeating Mabutho Cele who received 836 votes.
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Outgoing president Losi secured 996 votes to defeat incumbent secretary general Solly Phetoe, who received 809 votes.
Speaking at the congress, Shingange said it was heart-wrenching to see the first attempt at hosting a congress collapse, saying he appreciated the intervention by the ANC Veterans League, which is expected to continue.
He noted that founding vice general secretary Sydney Mufamadi broke down in tears as they attempted to bring unity in the central executive committee meeting last week.
Shingange emphasised that the federation was inherited from those that sacrificed to see it success and should be left in its best position for those that are yet to come.
“Seeing a veteran of our movement, shedding a tear when he had nothing to gain for what was seemingly happening in the federation, touched us deeply because we understood what broke his heart. It is the fact that all his hard work, all the investments in all these years, he was looking at them almost being dragged apart.
“We appreciated, we apologised to them, we committed to come back but it was very sobering. In fact, I said it feels like one of the most painful days for me,” said Shingange.
He said despite the challenges, Cosatu remains focused on uniting workers and ensure that workers’ rights are respected and followed.
Shingange’s victory came despite The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) placing him on precautionary suspension following the outcome of an internal investigation against him. The union has refused to expose the details of the suspension saying it was an internal matter.
READ: Court clears Shingange for Cosatu leadership contest after congress collapse
This caused an uproar form unions that had nominated Shingange, insisting that the congress could not continue if it was not clear that their preferred candidate will be able to contest the elections.
Failure to solve the matter forced the collapse of the gathering at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand after failing to meet quorum, with aim to reconvene within 30 days.
During the time, Shingange filed another application in attempt to halt his disciplinary hearing out of uncertainty that it may complicate his election run at the federation.
READ: Nehawu leadership elections challenged in Labour Court
In the race for first deputy president, Susan Khumalo secured 915 votes, narrowly defeating Duncan Luvhuno, who received 882 votes ending his tenure in the Cosatu leadership.
Treasurer general position was secured by Kgomotso Makupola against Mike Manganye, while Gerald Thwala automatically took over as deputy secretary general as he stood uncontested.
- This is a developing story and will be updated.
- Mike Shingange was elected president of COSATU with 973 votes, defeating Mabutho Cele who received 836 votes.
- Outgoing president Zingiswa Losi was elected to a new role after securing 996 votes against incumbent Solly Phetoe with 809 votes.
- The initial attempt to hold the congress collapsed due to Shingange's precautionary suspension by the Nehawu union, leading to reconvening within 30 days.
- Susan Khumalo won the first deputy president position with 915 votes, narrowly defeating Duncan Luvhuno who received 882 votes.
- Kgomotso Makupola was elected treasurer general, and Gerald Thwala became deputy secretary general unopposed.
