Unionists show support for Zuma
18/09/2006 11:23  - (SA)  

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Johannesburg - The Rustenburg delegation of the National Metalworkers' Union of SA (Numsa) marched into Cosatu's congress venue on Monday singing in support of ANC deputy president, Jacob Zuma.

Numsa is Cosatu's third largest union.

The delegation was part of hundreds of delegates arriving at the 9th national congress of the union federation at Midrand, north of Johannesburg.

Singing unionists wearing Cosatu red were streaming into the hall at Gallagher Estate. Up to 4 000 people were expected at the four day congress, including observers and journalists.

The last national congress was in 2003.

The conference hall is divided into seating blocks for the different delegations with the bigger unions at the back.

Four large television screens will ensure that everyone knows what is going on.

Zuma was expected to use the congress as an unacknowledged start in his campaign for the ANC's presidency.

A web of personality, political and labour issues, steered by the rivalry between Zuma and President Thabo Mbeki, forms the backdrop to the congress, which ends on Thursday.

Among these issues are the reported breakdown between Cosatu general-secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, a Zuma supporter, and president Willie Madisha, considered to be pro-Mbeki.

Numsa's membership is considered to be divided in its support for Madisha and Vavi.

The issue of HIV-Aids has a large slot on the congress agenda.

- SAPA

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