The Lula moment, that basket of economic policies described as promoting pro-poor growth, were buzz words at Cosatu’s 11th National Congress last year. The Chris Hani Institute, an independent think tank of the Left, then took a leaf from the congress and organised a roundtable discussion on the issue in Johannesburg. Speakers at this discussion, including Giorgio Romano and Ruy Braga, analysed the Brazilian experience, while others explained what lessons could be learnt for South Africa.