Several unions were formed in the wake of the seminal strikes 50 years ago, including the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa
Despite being disillusioned with their ally in government, the SACP and the labour federation are unlikely to leave the tripartite alliance
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Though it is enshrined in our constitution, the right to differ within one’s political party is not always enacted in practice. Here’s why it’s better to allow dissent
Ebrahim Harvey didn’t check his facts, says Zwelinzima Vavi.
By
The nonparty-political movement is on track and has achieved a lot.
The Numsa-funded organisation has been struggling with issues of trust, shaky funding and the lack of a clear political direction.
The Cosatu congress has been called a bloody nose for the progressive side of labour left. Does it mean a kick in the shins for Numsa’s United Front?
The group handed over a nine-page memorandum demanding a people’s budget, decided by the people to end gender-based violence and load-shedding.
Both Greece and Spain have a left that doesn’t look back, but that is engaged in the moment and looking to the future – something we sorely need.
The complicated nature of government and the negative impact of political appointments make running the country a nightmare.
An important lessons that we have learnt in the United Front is that although there may be no road map, it is vital to know the destination.
The world of 2015 is a much-changed place, but the embryonic new left of the United Front is looking to the 1970s and earlier for its inspiration.
Most commentators have got the idea of the United Front wrong, and many important points from the national congress in December were overlooked.
Numsa’s umbrella entity, the United Front, not so united as delegates disagree on internal structure and what role the party should play in elections.
Numsa’s general secretary Irvin Jim reiterates that Numsa won’t convert to a "political party", and will remain inspired by Marxism-Leninism.
The metalworkers’ union had tired of the ANC and wanted Cosatu to break with the ruling party and come with them into a brave new socialist future.
Iran began counting votes on Saturday that are likely to keep conservatives in control of Parliament after many opponents of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad were blocked from standing in the election. The United States, at loggerheads with Iran over its nuclear programme, said any result was ”cooked”.