Sechaba kaNkosi
The battle for the top positions in the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) began in earnest this week when nominations were made public.
A list released by Cosatu shows that despite some dissatisfaction with some members of the executive, they are all likely to be re-elected by the 2 400 delegates expected to attend the national congress in Johannesburg next week.
Four candidates are unopposed for six positions in the executive committee. They include John Gomomo, president; Sam Shilowa, general secretary; Zwelinzima Vavi, assistant general secretary, and Ronald Mofokeng, treasurer.
A close contest is expected between first vice-president John Nkadimeng and Connie September the only woman in the present executive who has been nominated for his post .
Insiders say that September, Cosatus present second vice-president, was nominated for a more powerful position in recognition of her contribution to the September Commission, which she headed. The commission was formed to consider a future strategy for the union movement. She recently released its findings.
September is also seen as a symbol of Cosatus commitment to gender equality in its executive. But Nkadimeng enjoys the support of the 310 000-strong National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) of which he is a member.
Should September lose to Nkadimeng, she is likely to face equally stiff competition from another nominee for the position, Vusi Nhlapo of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union.
Nhlapo is not only the president of Cosatus third and fastest-growing affiliate, but also Cosatus chief negotiator on the restructuring of state assets, and he sits on the National Framework Agreement committee.
Rising once again in members esteem is Shilowa, who insiders say is unopposed because of the unavailibility of the NUMs Kgalema Motlanthe. Shilowa lost popularity because of his support for the governments growth, employment and redistribution strategy (Gear)