NUMSA condemns the leaking of its internal reports to the media
10 March 2013
The National Office Bearers (NOBs) of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) condemns the leaking of its internal reports to the media.
The Sunday Times edition of today (10 March 2013) carries a story under the headline "Union boss lashes Cosatu president", which selectively quotes the Opening Address to our Central Committee (CC) as delivered by Numsa President comrade Cedric Gina.
This story is not only trying to create a wedge between Cosatu President and Numsa, but seeks to feed to a poisonous, dangerous, divisive and uncomradely tendency or behaviour of certain individuals of planting sensitive internal discussions or documents to the media.
We are not surprised by George Matlala's story, because he is well-known for magically turning gossips into stories or sometimes relying on faceless sources to write distorted and sensational stories. Besides, Numsa (including COSATU General Secretary) have always been targeted by our class opponents for being firm and principled defenders of working class interests’ post-2009.
These faceless sources have no interest of workers or the federation at heart, they only main pre-occupation is to harm and cause divisions within the federation and derail it from advancing or championing a revolutionary agenda in the interest of the workers and the poor, amidst the triple crisis of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
Furthermore, this alien behaviour also reflects low levels of ideological and class consciousness amongst certain trade union leaders who have religiously rendered themselves to be newsroom gossipers and newspaper sources. This has a potential of undermining cohesion, frank discussions and constructive reflections within Numsa and Cosatu.
Numsa remains united in forging unity within Cosatu and amongst all affiliates unions. We will never be part of any agenda that weakens or divides Cosatu, because we are conscious of the fact that Cosatu remains the only available fighting weapon for our people.
Contact:
Castro Ngobese, National Spokesperson – 081 011 1137