Mantashe leaves without speaking, slams ‘immature’ Cosatu delegates
ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe has labelled Cosatu members “immature” after they prevented him from addressing the trade union federation’s national congress in Midrand.
Mantashe, who was meant to deliver the ANC’s message of support at the congress, was barred from speaker by angry delegates on Monday.
He returned on Tuesday, but was once again refused an opportunity to speak to delegates.
Angry workers accused the ANC of failing to deliver on its promises of a 6.5% salary increase over three years.
In August, the government raised its wage offer from 2% to 3% for public servants, but the unions have continuously rejected the offer.
Workers vowed that no ANC leaders will be allowed to address them until they deliver on their promises.
Mantashe told the media he would not return again due to the disrespect shown by Cosatu delegates.
“I am not going to address the congress even if they say I must come tomorrow to address them. I will not come. I was here yesterday, I’m here today and I wasn’t given a platform to speak.
“They are in immature because if you have problems and you respond by saying don’t speak in our conference you are being immature. We will allow everyone to speak on our December conference.”
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