ANC or SACP? Cosatu leadership battle reflects alliance tensions

As delegates elected a new leadership at Cosatu’s national congress yesterday, the federation faced a growing dilemma over whether to back the ANC or the South African Communist Party (SACP) in the 4 November local government elections.

Cosatu first deputy president Mike Shingange, widely viewed as a close ally of the SACP and Nehawu, emerged as a frontrunner for the presidency.

Political observers regard Cosatu as a crucial player capable of either helping preserve alliance unity, or strengthening one side in the growing feud.