S. Africa's trade union condemns Workers Day celebrations disruption

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) condemned Wednesday the behavior of some people which led to the cancellation of the Workers Day celebrations in Bloemfontein.

President Jacob Zuma and other African National Congress members were booed in the event. Cosatu had to cancel the address by President Zuma and its leadership. Cosatu said this is an isolated incident many May Day celebrations were characterized by discipline and a celebratory atmosphere.

Cosatu spokesperson Sizwe Pamla said, "this was a regrettable and an unacceptable incident, and we shall be convening an urgent Special Central Committee (SCEC) meeting to deal with what happened, and also decide on a way forward in preparation for the upcoming Central Committee meeting."

"We do regret that workers did not hear the federation's message from Cosatu President and that their event was hijacked and converted into a political theater," said the spokesperson.

ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said many Workers Day commemorations were held with disciplined and tolerant manner.

He said, "It is concerning however that speeches had to be canceled in May Day rally Free State. Regrettably the significance of May Day was thus reduced by the unacceptable conduct of those who chose disorder and intolerance. The African National Congress condemns this behavior in the strongest possible terms."

Zizi called for unity in the ANC and its alliance partners. The party is in alliance with Cosatu and the South African Communist Party (SACP). Endit