Johannesburg – The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) says it will support both the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) in the upcoming local government elections, despite tensions between the two political formations.
The labour federation said its position was guided by a resolution adopted at its 15th National Congress, adding that its support would depend on both parties advancing the interests of workers and poor communities.
Cosatu general secretary Zingiswa Losi said the federation was stepping up its campaign ahead of the 4 November 2026 elections.
“Cosatu is intensifying its election campaign and mobilisation in preparation for the 4th of November 2026 local government elections,” Losi said.
She said the campaign aimed to ensure workers had a meaningful voice in local government and in shaping the country’s broader development priorities.
COSATU is not taking sides in the feud between the ANC and SACP. The trade union federation says it will support both parties at the polls next week. Tune in to #eNCA on #DStv403. https://t.co/lzNz2Y15MG
— eNCA (@eNCA) October 27, 2026
The federation has called on its affiliates, shop stewards, organisers and members to mobilise workers and communities around a programme focused on job creation, infrastructure development and better access to basic services.
Cosatu said its backing would not be unconditional, identifying employment creation, reliable public services, accountable municipalities, affordable basic services and the protection of workers’ rights as key priorities.
Losi said the elections should be used to advance the interests of working-class people and poorer communities, rather than simply provide political parties with an opportunity to gain power.
“Political support must be principled, and it must be linked to a clear working-class programme rather than treated as an unconditional mandate for any political formation,” she said.
The federation’s position comes amid tensions between the ANC and the SACP, which has been charting a more independent political course.
Cosatu’s decision to support both formations signals an effort to maintain its political relationships while keeping pressure on them to deliver on workers’ needs.
With voters heading to the polls on 4 November, the federation says its election mobilisation will focus on holding political leaders accountable for service delivery, employment and the living conditions of working-class communities.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
