COSATU’s leadership elections have played a critical role in shaping its direction and policies since its inception in 1985. Leadership is elected during its national congresses, which are held every three years. Below is an overview of COSATU’s leadership elections from its founding:
Founding Congress (1985)
- President: Elijah Barayi
- General Secretary: Jay Naidoo
- Deputy President: Emma Mashinini
At COSATU’s launch, the leadership reflected its strong anti-apartheid stance and commitment to militant worker activism. Elijah Barayi became an iconic figure for his leadership during a tumultuous period.
Second National Congress (1987)
- Leadership was reaffirmed with Jay Naidoo as General Secretary, as he was seen as a unifying figure during heightened apartheid repression.
Third National Congress (1991)
- President: John Gomomo
- General Secretary: Jay Naidoo
As South Africa approached the end of apartheid, COSATU began focusing on its role in shaping a democratic South Africa. Leadership was elected with a vision for a post-apartheid labor movement.
Fourth National Congress (1994)
- President: John Gomomo (re-elected)
- General Secretary: Sam Shilowa
This marked a transition to a new leadership era, with Sam Shilowa taking over as General Secretary, emphasizing economic justice under a democratic government.
Sixth National Congress (1997)
- President: John Gomomo (continued)
- General Secretary: Zwelinzima Vavi
Eighth National Congress (2003)
- President: Willie Madisha
- General Secretary: Zwelinzima Vavi (re-elected)
During this period, COSATU’s leadership continued to highlight unemployment and inequality as critical challenges in post-apartheid South Africa.
Tenth National Congress (2009)
- President: Sdumo Dlamini
- General Secretary: Zwelinzima Vavi (re-elected)
While Vavi remained a prominent figure, internal tensions began to surface regarding COSATU’s relationship with the ANC and policy direction.
Eleventh National Congress (2012)
- President: Sdumo Dlamini (re-elected)
- General Secretary: Zwelinzima Vavi (re-elected)
This congress was marked by growing tensions, with divisions within the federation becoming more pronounced. Vavi’s leadership faced criticism from within the federation.
Twelfth National Congress (2015)
- President: Sdumo Dlamini (re-elected)
- General Secretary: Bheki Ntshalintshali
This congress occurred during a period of fragmentation, following the expulsion of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) and the suspension of Vavi.
Thirteenth National Congress (2018)
- President: Zingiswa Losi
- General Secretary: Bheki Ntshalintshali (re-elected)
Zingiswa Losi became the first woman president of COSATU, symbolizing a significant step towards gender representation in the federation’s leadership.
Fourteenth National Congress (2021)
- President: Zingiswa Losi (re-elected)
- General Secretary: Solly Phetoe
The leadership emphasized rebuilding worker unity and addressing the economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
