Cosatu congress collapse shows alliance is falling apart

The recent collapse of the 15th national congress of Cosatu has revealed the cracks within South Africa's ANC-led tripartite alliance. The heated debates and physical altercations during the congress mirrored a similar incident in 2017 when delegates threw chairs at each other. The main controversy revolved around the eligibility of Cosatu’s deputy president, Mike Shingange, to succeed Zingiswa Losi as president.

While the National Union of Mineworkers and others supported Shingange, the majority opposed him. A complicating factor was that Shingange’s own union, Nehawu, had placed him on precautionary suspension just before the congress, which raised questions about the timing and motivations behind this decision. The congress was marred by affiliates refusing to submit their credentials, a first in Cosatu’s history, effectively halting proceedings.

By the second day, the congress was called to an abrupt end due to escalating disagreements. Even if it had continued, Cosatu faced significant decisions, including whether to back the ANC or the South African Communist Party (SACP) in the upcoming local government elections. This choice could further widen the rift between the two parties.

Cosatu’s ties to the ANC are based on shared history in the mass democratic movement, with members drawn to state positions and state resources since 1994. However, the ideological alignment with the SACP is another major factor, given the shared Marxist-leaning vision. Choosing the SACP could lead to a final split with the ANC.

The federation’s potential breakaway from the ANC has already been seen, with some affiliates leaning towards the ANC, while others align with the SACP's ideological purity. The ANC’s recent moves to remove SACP members from state positions, including councillors on SACP candidate lists, have only exacerbated the situation. If the ANC takes further steps by dismissing SACP-aligned politicians, the alliance could break apart entirely.

Cosatu’s congress failure is more than just a procedural issue; it reflects the delicate balance and fragile nature of the ANC-led tripartite alliance itself.