The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Mpumalanga expresses its strong disapproval of the unacceptable disruption of the South African Communist Party (SACP) Provincial Deputy Chairperson during his address at the ANC-led Provincial General Council (PGC) in Mpumalanga over the weekend.
It must be noted that the ANC plays the central role within the Alliance, postulated that although the Alliance is formally a partnership, the ANC is the leading phenomenon. Each ALLIANCE PARTNER is an INDEPENDENT ORGANISATION with its own constitution, membership and programs.
Revolutionary movements must always be seen within the context of the environment in which they take root as well as the circumstances and conditions which give rise to them. The motive of all revolutionary movements is that the existing order of things is neither immutable nor unalterable but can be changed.
The conduct is not only disrespectful to the individual concerned but also undermines the spirit of unity, discipline, and democratic engagement that the Alliance stands for. Political gatherings must be spaces where all voices within the Alliance are heard with respect and where differences are navigated through principled dialogue, not hostility.
Booing is not a form of productive expression, it is a disruptive act that silences voices, fosters division, and detracts from the dignity of public discourse. We recognize the right to disagree, but we firmly believe that disagreement must be expressed through respectful and thoughtful engagement.
We stand firmly against all forms of harassment and verbal aggression. Political events must be safe spaces for diverse opinions and constructive debate. Disagreement is natural — but it must be expressed with dignity, not derision.
COSATU Mpumalanga reaffirms its commitment to the values of solidarity, mutual respect, and collective leadership. We call on all members and structures of the Alliance to uphold these principles and to ensure that future engagements reflect the dignity and seriousness our movement demands.
We stand in solidarity with the SACP and its leadership, and we urge all stakeholders to recommit building a united front that prioritizes the interests of the working class and the broader National Democratic Revolution.
Such acts undermine our collective efforts to renew, strengthen and unite the Alliance. They are an affront to the decades of comradeship painstakingly built not only in Mpumalanga but across the country.
We cannot afford such behaviour as we face many dire socio-economic and governance challenges and as we head towards our most difficult local government elections since 1994.
COSATU’s Mpumalanga Provincial leadership will be engaging its Alliance Partners in the Province to ensure such instances do not happen again.
Issued by COSATU Mpumalanga
Thabo Mokoena(Provincial Secretary)
Mobile: 073 750 2041