African National Congress (ANC) president Ramaphosa has issued a strong call for unity within the tripartite alliance as internal tensions deepen between the ANC, the South African Communist Party (SACP), and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). Speaking at a packed rally celebrating COSATU’s 40th anniversary at Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa urged alliance partners to “close ranks” and remain committed to their shared political mission despite growing ideological differences.
At the heart of the current strain is a widening policy divide—particularly between the ANC and the SACP—stemming from disagreements over the direction of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) and how best to respond to South Africa’s evolving political landscape. The recent establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) has added further pressure, with the SACP feeling increasingly sidelined in processes shaping national governance.
However, Ramaphosa insists the challenges facing the alliance are not irreparable. Instead, he has advocated for dialogue, patience, and the reaffirmation of collective objectives that have historically united these organisations for decades.
Ramaphosa Calls for Stability Amid Policy Divisions
During his address, Ramaphosa emphasised that disagreements between alliance partners should never be equated to an inevitable split. He reminded supporters that the ANC, SACP, and COSATU share a long legacy of struggle, sacrifice, and collaboration—one that should not be abandoned in the face of ideological friction.
“We stand at a time when, as alliance partners, we should all agree that the National Democratic Revolution, premised on the Freedom Charter, is our common programme,” Ramaphosa said. “We have important differences about the best way to pursue the NDR, but these are not insurmountable differences. They can be overcome.”
His message was clear: while the SACP may have expressed discomfort with certain policy directions—especially in the context of the GNU—the alliance must remain intact for the broader liberation project to succeed.
The current moment places COSATU in a particularly delicate position. As the influential labour federation continues to balance its historical commitments to both the ANC and the SACP, questions arise regarding which party COSATU will choose to endorse in the upcoming local government elections.
In recent months, COSATU has frequently found itself caught between the differing priorities of its partners. On one hand, the SACP has signaled readiness to contest elections independently. On the other, the ANC remains adamant that alliance unity is crucial for electoral success. This leaves COSATU in the challenging position of mediating tensions while safeguarding workers’ interests.
During his address, Ramaphosa appealed directly to COSATU, urging the federation to continue collaborating with the ANC to secure electoral victory. “Let us all together work for an overwhelming victory in the forthcoming local government elections,” he said. According to Ramaphosa, COSATU’s ongoing partnership with the ANC would not only secure a strong showing at the polls but would also ensure that the federation continues to shape and influence national policy.
“Securing victory at the polls also means that COSATU will be part of the improvement of implementing the various decisions that will advance the NDR,” Ramaphosa added. His message underscores the crucial role COSATU plays in policy implementation, worker representation, and grassroots mobilisation—functions that he believes remain essential to the alliance’s sustainability.
Earlier in 2025, the ANC, SACP, and COSATU collectively reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the long-delayed reconfiguration of the alliance. This process aims to redefine decision-making structures, clarify policy direction, and ensure equitable participation among the three partners. For many, reconfiguration is seen as the only viable path toward restoring trust and stability within the alliance.
Ramaphosa has consistently supported this initiative, arguing that reconfiguration will strengthen the alliance’s ability to address economic and social challenges while preserving its historical identity. He believes that by modernising how the alliance operates, partners will be better positioned to navigate disagreements and maintain a united front.
As South Africa heads toward pivotal local government elections, all eyes will be on how the ANC, SACP, and COSATU respond to internal pressures. For now, Ramaphosa remains steadfast in his message: unity, not division, is the only way forward for the alliance and for the country.
Source- EWN
