COSATU must give members compelling reasons to vote for ANC in upcoming polls – Shilowa

JOHANNESBURG - Former Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) general secretary, Mbhazima Shilowa, said the labour federation needed to give its members compelling reasons why they should vote for the African National Congress (ANC) in the upcoming polls.

As the voting campaign season rapidly enters its peak, COSATU is calling on its members to vote for its alliance partner.

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However, Shilowa said the ANC's loss in some metros showed that COSATU members decided differently, in spite of labour's attempts to influence them to vote for the ANC.

He said labour federations had their work cut out for them.

"I think unless they hold meetings at a branch level, explain to them that we have worker rights now that we didn’t have during that particular period. If someone comes, let’s say from Giyani, you have to explain to them why should they vote for the ANC."

Shilowa said they should be equally prepared to answer some difficult questions.

"Okay, we are in an alliance with the ANC. Some of the coal mines will be closing, many people and communities are now destitute, how will our situation change? They need to be able to respond. To simply say that we are better off is not going to cut it."