The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) says it will support both the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) in the upcoming local government elections, despite tensions between the two political formations.
The federation says its position is guided by a resolution adopted at its 15th National Congress, which allows it to support both organisations in the November 4, 2026 elections.
However, Cosatu has stressed that its support is conditional on commitments to job creation, reliable public services, accountable municipalities, affordable basic services and the protection of workers’ rights.
Cosatu general secretary Zingiswa Losi says the federation is intensifying its election campaign and mobilisation efforts ahead of the polls.
Losi says the campaign seeks to ensure that workers have a meaningful voice in local government and in shaping the country’s broader development agenda.
The federation has called on its affiliates, shop stewards, organisers and members to mobilise workers and communities around a programme focused on employment creation, infrastructure development and improved access to basic services.
Losi says the elections should be used to advance the interests of workers and poor communities rather than simply serve as a means for political parties to gain power.
She adds that political support must be guided by clear principles and linked to a working-class programme, rather than being treated as an unconditional endorsement of any political formation.