COSATU congress resumes after September delegate dispute

The Congress of South African Trade Unions reopened its 15th national congress on October 12, with leadership elections on the agenda after September's gathering broke down.

The meeting is taking place at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni. The previous gathering at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand was adjourned amid disputes over delegates' credentials and a failure to establish a quorum.

Spokesperson Zanele Sabela told SABC the three-day event would bring together more than 1,800 participants, including union delegates, alliance partners and local and international guests. It is due to conclude with a congress declaration and the announcement of elected national office bearers.

COSATU president Zingiswa Losi opened proceedings with a call for unity, Business Day reported. Political, organisational, economic and international reports are also on the agenda. Messages of support are scheduled from the African National Congress, the South African Communist Party and the South African National Civic Organization.

SABC reported that attempts by dissatisfied unions to obtain an urgent court order blocking the congress were dismissed on Friday because the applications lacked urgency.