JOHANNESBURG – The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) says it will not take sides in the feud between the ANC and the South African Communist Party (SACP) ahead of the local government elections on 4 November 2026.
The federation says it will support both political formations at the polls, in line with a resolution adopted at its 15th National Congress.
Cosatu says its support will, however, come with clear expectations, including job creation, reliable public services, accountable municipalities, affordable basic services and the protection of workers’ rights.
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Cosatu’s general secretary Zingiswa Losi says the federation is intensifying its election campaign and mobilisation efforts ahead of next week’s elections.
“Cosatu is intensifying its election campaign and mobilisation in preparation for the 4th of November 2026 local government elections,” Losi said.
She says the campaign aims to ensure that workers have a meaningful voice in shaping local government and the country’s broader development path.
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The federation is calling on its affiliates, shop stewards, organisers and members to mobilise workers and communities around a programme that prioritises employment creation, infrastructure development and improved access to basic services.
Losi says the elections must be used to advance the interests of workers and poor communities, rather than simply serve as a platform for political parties to secure 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.