Cosatu's Losi admits the federation is “out of touch” as the race for its leadership intensifies
Zingiswa Losi, Cosatu's president, called for unity at the federation's 15th national congress despite divisions in its alliance (SABC News). News24 reported that she admitted Cosatu is “out of touch” as the leadership race intensifies. The Citizen reported that Gwede Mantashe irked the congress, with delegates decrying the ANC's “Big Brother” attitude. SABC News reported earlier that the congress runs until Thursday and will elect new leaders. DailyDrop has not seen candidate names.
Cosatu, the ANC and the SACP form the governing alliance, and public rows between them tend to spill into elections.
If you belong to a Cosatu-affiliated union, the new leaders will speak for you in national wage and jobs talks.
Delegates who resent the ANC's tone say the federation must stand up for workers even against its ally.
ANC figures argue that the alliance only works if its partners show discipline in public.
Watch the leadership vote and whether the ANC and the SACP accept it. Losi's admission is unusual for a sitting president and will be quoted in the contest.
DailyDrop South Africa edition No. 10 · Morning · WED., OCT. 14, 2026