SOUTH AFRICA Interview with Elijah Barayi, president of COSATU WE PUBLISH below an interview with Elijah Barayi, the first president of COSATU which was published in Congress News (the official publication of the founding congress of COSATU). Born in 1930, Barayi had several jobs before going to work in the mines in 1960. His first 'real contact", in his own words, with the trade unions came after the formation of the National Union of Miners (NUM), of which he was elected vice-president at the founding conference in 1982.
Question. What is your view of an ideal union?
Answer. The union must represent the views and interests of its members. The union must be democratic and under worker control. This must be the foundation of any organisation.
Q. Did the overnight prominence as COSATU president effect you in your life?
A. Well obviously there are now many new pressures placed on me. But I have not changed at all. My lifestyle is still the same. I still have to work a full day.
Q. As president do you see yourself as a man who takes decisions or who carries out the wishes of the workers?
A. I am a servant of the workers. I was elected to carry out their wishes. As a worker leader I have a duty to see that workers' interests are advanced.
Q. What to your mind is the foremost challenge facing you as president?
A. First, to see the mergers of unions so that we get national industrial unions established. Second, to get the federation operating in a unified way by getting the locals and regions going. In this way COSATU's policies can take effect. Thirdly, to organise those workers who are not organised and presently not in our federation. Simply to mobilise the entire working class is the most important long term objective.
Q. What do you regard as the most difficult part of your job?
A. Getting all the unions to act in unity. We are a new-born baby. We need time to consolidate various levels of COSATU structures. to Which CoATU plays a pottical Q. Can you clarify the extent role?
A. One thing is clear. We as trade unions are directly effected by the political system in South Africa. So we cannot divorce ourselves from the political struggle. COSATU's political policy has not yet been decided so our exact programme of action will only be clear once this decision is made. But political involvement will be decided, depending on the issue, whether it is local or national, by the appropriate structure of the federation. Our relationship with other organisations will depend on whether they agree with our aims and objectives. I can't say more than that until COSATU adopts their political policy.
Q. COSATU has been accused of being a front for the ANC and labelled a communist organisation by government analysts and other critics. How do you respond and can you clarity your relationship with the ANC, UDF and other organisations?
A. These accusations have no substance. They are premature. On what basis do they make these accusations? The government is very stupid if they wish to take up this position. COSATU is an independent trade union federation and represents over half a million members. We have no links with any organisation. Our relationship with progressive organisations will be decided when we discuss our political policy. But it must be clearly stated that COSATU as a workers' organisation, will put the intaracte of workers first the interests of workers first. •
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