COSATU statement on the meeting with former ANC President Cde Kgalema Motlanthe

The National Office Bearers of COSATU met with the former Deputy President of the ANC, Cde Kgalema Motlanthe this morning, to discuss the recent media reports attributed to him , with regards to some internal issues affecting the federation.

Cde Motlanthe gave the context in which the reported statements were made and the leadership of COSATU also clarified him on the federation’s position on some issues that he raised.

It was a cordial and constructive meeting, where all the parties agreed to respect the decisions taken by the constitutional structures, of the respective alliance formations and to always raise any matters openly with those involved.

The last few years have been very difficult for the federation and some historic, unfortunate but unavoidable events have taken place within the federation. This represented a very difficult period that tested the unity of the workers. As COSATU, we want to make it clear that we are still committed to the principled unity of the workers and we will continue to ensure that COSATU remains the home of all workers of South Africa.

Going forward, we will continue with our open door policy that allows all former COSATU and alliance leaders , to engage with the federation ,anytime they wish to do so. The federation is open to engagement and advice and we have space for the voices of the former leaders of our federation and the entire revolutionary alliance.

We respect Cde Motlanthe and continue value his views and opinions. He is one of the leaders that we are proud to have produced as the trade union movement. The matter is officially closed and the federation will not comment any further on it.

Issued by COSATU National Spokesperson Sizwe Pamla, 4 November 2015