Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) First Deputy President Mike Shingange says he remains committed to the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) despite his suspension from the union.
His comments follow a Labour Court ruling that found Shingange’s precautionary suspension from NEHAWU did not prevent him from contesting for a senior leadership position within COSATU.
Speaking to the media in Midrand, Johannesburg, on Wednesday, Shingange said the reasons for his suspension were an internal matter between himself and NEHAWU.
He also questioned whether a candidate could contest for a workers’ leadership position without belonging to a union.
Shingange said workers seeking leadership positions within the federation must be members of an affiliated organisation and meet the relevant requirements.
“You can’t run for any workers’ office bearers if you don’t come from an organisation, if you’re not a member, if you’re not a worker, if you’re not a shop steward, if you’re not paying a subscription to any union,” he said.
He said candidates for worker leadership positions within COSATU must have an affiliation with an organisation in the federation and contribute membership subscriptions.
Shingange added that while the circumstances surrounding his suspension would be addressed between himself and NEHAWU, he remained committed to the union.