The Congress of South African Trade Unions has noted the media reports claiming that the federation has pronounced on its preferred candidates for leadership in the upcoming ANC 55th National Conference. This is not accurate, and the federation would like to correct any misunderstanding.
The COSATU 14th National Congress and the Central Executive Committee(CEC) meeting that was convened last week did not discuss issues of leadership with regards to the upcoming ANC Conference.
This means that the Federation has not formally endorsed any candidate including President Cyril Ramaphosa. The federation has consciously decided to remain neutral on issues of leadership and focus on Conference policy outcomes and organisational resolutions.
COSATU, therefore, will not be campaigning for any candidate but will support all those elected by the Conference. We wish the ANC well in its Conference and we look forward to working with the elected collective to help reconstruct the ANC, and contribute to a robust process of Alliance reconfiguration.
Sizwe Pamla (Cosatu National Spokesperson)
Tel: 011 339 4911
Fax: 011 339 5080
Cell: 060 975 6794