The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) wishes to clarify misleading impressions and speculation currently circulating regarding the “Conference of the Left” initiative associated with the South African Communist Party (SACP).
SAFTU wishes to place on record the following:
SAFTU has not held any formal meeting with the leadership of the SACP regarding participation in the proposed Conference of the Left.
No constitutional structure of SAFTU has discussed, debated, or resolved whether the federation will participate in or associate itself with the conference.
Any suggestion that SAFTU has already committed itself to the conference, endorsed the initiative, or agreed to form part of it is therefore incorrect and misleading.
SAFTU remains a democratic, worker-controlled federation. Decisions of this nature cannot be made through informal discussions, assumptions, social media commentary, or by individuals acting in their personal capacities. Such matters can only be considered and decided through the federation’s constitutional structures after proper political discussion and consultation with affiliates.
SAFTU is aware of the circulated programme and discussion framework for the proposed “Conference of the Left,” which outlines an initiative aimed at bringing together formations from trade unions, community organisations, social movements, political formations, cooperatives, and progressive intellectuals to discuss the crisis confronting the working class and possibilities for left renewal in South Africa.
As SAFTU has consistently stated over many years, the federation remains deeply committed to the strategic objective of rebuilding working-class unity and strengthening struggles against austerity, neoliberalism, unemployment, inequality, corruption, privatisation, and the broader capitalist crisis confronting workers and the poor. SAFTU also continues to support broad working-class solidarity and engagement amongst progressive forces.
However, SAFTU equally recognises that there are complex political, organisational, ideological, and strategic questions facing the labour movement and broader left formations in South Africa. These questions require serious democratic engagement inside the federation and among workers themselves.
The federation, therefore, cautions against attempts by any individuals or organisations to prematurely present SAFTU as already aligned to positions or initiatives that have not been formally processed through its structures.
SAFTU will communicate openly and transparently should its constitutional structures decide to engage the matter formally in the future. Until then, no person is authorised to speak on behalf of SAFTU, claiming that the federation has resolved to participate in the conference.
A statement was issued on behalf of SAFTU by the General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi.
For media inquiries, contact
National Spokesperso:
Newton Masuku
newtonm@saftu.org.za
0661682157
Media Officer:
Asive Dyani
0719019564
