Cosatu backing embattled Zuma
2003-09-15 11:45
Johannesburg - Thousands of Congress of SA Trade Union members chanted liberation songs supporting deputy president Jacob Zuma as they marched to Gallagher Estate in Midrand where the federation was to begin its 8th national congress on Monday.
The members, clad in their red caps and tops, sang: Wena ulawula ama Scorpions sitshele ukuthi uZuma wethu wenzeni? (Head of the Scorpions, tell us what our leader has done?).
Zuma and Scorpions head Bulelani Ngcuka had been at loggerheads after the elite detective unit announced it was probing the deputy president on bribery allegations related to the multibillion arms deal.
At the four-day congress, Cosatu is expected to back Zuma on the arms deal investigation and bribery allegations.
One of the main issues to be addressed at the congress includes privatisation and its impact on employment.
<0p>Since 1999, Cosatu has lost about half-a-million members due the large number of job losses.
Also to come under the spotlight is Cosatu's tripartite alliance with the African National Congress and SA Communist Party.
It is largely expected Cosatu will pledge its support for the ruling party in upcoming elections.
- SAPA