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MORE than 3,000 delegates attending the 10^th Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) have called for a return to socialism following the collapse of capitalism.



The Congress noted that the Washington Consensus has collapsed and adopted a resolution calling for the building of an alternative society based on Marxist Socialism. It urged the South African government to develop a programme of transformation with clear goals towards socialism.



The Congress heard that South Africa lost over 500,000 jobs due to the economic crisis. To compensate workers affected by liquidations the Congress demanded that companies should set up trust funds.



And COSATU President Sdumo Dlamini told delegates that workers cannot be punished for the financial crisis that was caused by capitalists, adding, “We have to work together to move this nation out of recession, protect jobs and create decent ones. We are saying no to the capitalist past. Let’s unite communities to bring about socialist transformation.”



South African President Jacob Zuma officially opened the Congress that was held from 21 - 24 September in Midrand, Johannesburg under the theme: “Consolidating working class power in defense of decent work & socialism”.



COSATU demanded for protection of temporary workers many of whom are now working like volunteers. COSATU resolved to stage demonstrations on October 7, the international day of decent work, to demand for the banning of labour brokers who are accused of promoting precarious work. COSATU is also against government’s intentions to de-unionise soldiers following the recent demonstrations for improved conditions of service by defense forces.



COSATU demanded for protection of temporary workers and resolved to stage demonstrations on October 7, the international Day for Decent Work, to demand for the banning of labour brokers who are accused of promoting precarious work.



COSATU is also against government’s intentions to de-unionise soldiers following the recent demonstrations for improved conditions of service by defense forces.



COSATU deplored policies that continue to impoverish black people such as market-related rates for land ownership and urged government to empower its people with land ownership and take service delivery to poor areas including farms.



COSATU committed itself to international solidarity with Zimbabwe and urged government of Swaziland to recognize PUDEMO as a genuine opposition political party. They also urged the ICC to prosecute Israeli solders for war crimes in Palestine following recommendations of the UNI report on the recent Israeli war in Palestine.



Sdumo Dlamini and Zwelinzima Vavi were re-elected as President and General Secretary of COSATU respectively.