Saftu’s second congress is taking place at a time of the sharpest escalation of the struggle between the classes in the post-apartheid era. … The necessity for unity in struggle has never been greater. A counter-offensive against this onslaught is absolutely imperative. The weaponry of the class enemy in government, state-owned enterprises and the private sector is trained on both organised workers’ wages and conditions, but also on the wider working class through savage social spending cuts. Preparation for a public sector general strike followed by a national general strike would … enable Saftu to claim the right to lead the working class like the early Cosatu.