The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), launched in 1985, played a key role in the overthrow of the apartheid regime. It is the foremost example globally of social movement unionism. COSATU combined political activism and bread-and-butter trade unionism to mobilise millions of people, combine with other allies, and bring apartheid to its knees. It was central in helping Nelson Mandela's African National Congress (ANC) into power. This insider account (2nd edition) tells of COSATU's first five years, when it operated in the most oppressive of circumstances. It is a story of triumphs and tragedies.