Cosatu seeks to preserve tripartite alliance amid ANC and SACP tensions

This comes after the SACP's decision to independently contest the November local government elections. Following a two-day central executive committee CEC meeting, Cosatu emphasized the importance of unity within the alliance, even as relations between the ANC and SACP become increasingly strained. Both parties' senior leaders have engaged in public verbal exchanges, and their parallel campaigns risk dividing alliance members who must choose between them at the polls.

The SACP remains firm in its decision to field candidates separately and shows no indication of cooperating with the ANC in post-election coalitions. The SACP leadership has consistently opposed the ANC’s neoliberal policies, arguing they harm the working class, and rejects the ANC’s embrace of the Democratic Alliance DA in the government of national unity. Cosatu, however, insists that unity is still achievable, stating it will continue to engage its partners and intensify efforts to convene the alliance and develop a common program before and after the elections.

Cosatu expressed frustration over the repeated failure to convene the alliance political council and summit. SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila has attributed the blame to the ANC, specifically President Cyril Ramaphosa, noting the alliance