Cosatu says ANC excluding it from GNU decisions

South Africans remained on tenterhooks on Monday as President Ramaphosa put what is believed to be the final touches to the executive, which will serve in the new government of national unity. 

 The process, which included the ANC nine GNU partners, had also raised tensions among members of the alliance. 

Cosatu first deputy President Mike Shingange on Monday revealed that the alliance partners were not involved in the process, despite previously objecting to any working relationship with the DA. 

The trade union federation briefed the media following its three days Central Executive Committee meeting.

"Unlike the previous elections, things happened to be moving very fast," said Shingange. 

"This time around post elections, it is not a terrain that we are familiar with. So many political parties went to the elections, none of them received an overwhelming majority, a way forward needed to be found amongst the political parties," he said

Shingange acknowledged that the ANC was under pressure to make a decision. 

“We have always maintained we are an alliance of three independent components - Cosatu, the SACP and ANC. 

"We are within our rights, or reserve our rights, to take decisions the best way we see fit, even if it is to the disagreement of our alliance partner,” said Shingange.

He added: “Given the pressure the ANC is going through, perhaps this became the safest way for them to go into their own internal national executive committee, and independently take decisions as they see fit. They have other political parties to contend with."

Shingange said during a briefing session with the ANC, they suggested the formation of a minority government.

“We indicated our view, which is to form a minority government. 

"A follow-up meeting was to take place; it did not take place until the NEC met and pronounced on a GNU,” said Shingange.

“We want to separate being briefed and being consulted, understanding that even when you are consulted it doesn't mean your views must be taken into consideration — but at least we are asked for our view."

Shingange reiterated that Cosatu remains opposed to working with the DA.

“We have to continue to indicate that which we are against, while accepting the DA will be in the GNU. After that, when the statement of intent was engaged with political parties, there was an alliance political council meeting which we attended. We were briefed,” he said. 

ALSO READ