Cosatu backs Cyril Ramaphosa

Cosatu General Secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali confirmed this at the trade union federation's press briefing following a three day Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting.

"After intensive and robust debate, the CEC resolved to support and lobby for the Deputy President of the ANC Comrade Cyril Ramaphosa to take over the reigns as the next President of the ANC. We shall work to lobby and influence the ANC structures to support Comrade Ramaphosa," says Ntshalintshali.

Ntshalintshali says the CEC has voiced concerned over the state of affairs at the ANC following the local government elections in August.

"We find it troubling that our movement continues to be preoccupied with its internal challenges and continues to be caught up in the relentless infighting and political gridlock," says Ntshalintshali.

Ntshalitshali says the next leader of the ANC must have the interests of the working class at heart..

"The CEC reflected on the question of who should lead the ANC out of its current political gridlock and into the future. We engaged on this issue, driven by our devotion to the alliance and the desire to see the ANC united and ready to lead the second radical phase of our transition,'' Ntshalitshali said.