Tripartite alliance 'needs to be more equal'
The African National Congress (ANC), Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) have called for a more equal relationship between members of the tripartite alliance.
The call was made at Cosatu's Central Commitee meeting.
The relationship between the alliance partners is said to be at its lowest ebb, with both the SACP and Cosatu calling for President Jacob Zuma to step down.
In his address, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said the ANC is in desperate need of "honourable leadership".
He also spoke of the country's recent downgrade to junk status, saying it could have been avoided.
"Our efforts to grow the economy have been dealt a big blow by the recent decisions by the rating agencies to downgrade us. And we know what sparked this," he said, alluding to President Jacob Zuma's controversial cabinet reshuffle.
Ramaphosa stressed the importance of unity within the alliance and encouraged Cosatu not to be undermined when important decisions are made.
"We should not be treating - as the alliance - Cosatu as an appendage....an appendage just needs to be formed. Cosatu needs to be intricately involved in all the things that will be decided by the alliance," he said.