COSATU opts to back both ANC and SACP amid political tensions

Cosatu

Cape Town – The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has resolved to support both the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) in the November 4 local government elections, seeking to preserve unity within the historic political alliance despite growing divisions between the two parties.

According to Business Day, the decision was adopted at COSATU’s reconvened national congress and allows its members to support either alliance partner, rather than forcing the federation to choose between them.

Presenting the congress declaration, newly elected general secretary Zingiswa Losi said the resolution was intended to maintain working-class unity.

“In this light, congress resolved on a socialist axis and working-class electoral strategy by taking a principled position for continued support of the alliance as a strategic centre, and to keep the unity of workers by supporting the ANC and the SACP at the upcoming 2026 local government elections,” Losi said.

The decision comes as the SACP prepares to contest local elections independently of the ANC for the first time, following disagreements over the ANC’s participation in the Government of National Unity (GNU), which includes parties such as the Democratic Alliance.

In a report on the congress, GroundUp described the resolution as a compromise reached after days of internal divisions. The congress also elected Mike Shingange as COSATU president, with Losi taking over as general secretary.

The ANC welcomed the resolution. Speaking to Sunday Times, ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe described it as “a correct decision”, according to TimesLIVE.

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