Cosatu congress | Mantashe says he won’t sacrifice principle for convenience

Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe

KEMPTON PARK – ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe says he will not abandon principle for convenience, after walking out of the Congress of South African Trade Unions’ (Cosatu) 15th National Elective Congress in Ekurhuleni on Monday.

Mantashe refused to address delegates before the South African Communist Party (SACP), saying the ANC traditionally delivers its message of support after the SACP. He subsequently forfeited his address and walked out.

WATCH | Gwede Mantashe accused of undermining COSATU

Cosatu’s Mike Shingange said the federation would remember the moment, accusing the ANC chairperson of undermining it.

Meanwhile, Cosatu president Zingiswa Losi has called on delegates to speak with one voice as the federation elects new leaders.

READ: Cosatu reconvenes 15th elective congress

The congress resumed after the previous gathering was dissolved in September amid leadership disputes and other internal disagreements.

“What we cannot do is pretend like nothing has happened,” Losi said.

She urged members to put aside individual interests and factional divisions, and to prioritise the interests of the working class.