DESPITE the ANC's intervention and efforts to defend National Planning Minister Trevor Manuel, Cosatu has continued its vitriolic attacks against Manuel.

Cosatu accused Manuel of using his position as a personal fiefdom and seeking to create his own "kitchencabinet".

Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said Manuel sought to perpetrate a style of leadership that was common during the era of former president Thabo Mbeki, where ministers marginalised Cosatu and the SACP and formulated policies without consulting members of the tripartite alliance.

"We are opposed to the fragmentation of the state through the building of fiefdoms or kitchen cabinets within the state. For that reason, we call for the withdrawal of the Green Paper on Strategic Planning," Vavi said.

"That said, Cosatu is not opposed to a discussion that clearly articulates a coherent planning process and machinery to ensure an effective state. We object to the marginalisation of the alliance and other key ministries in shaping this policy intervention prior to its public release.

"This is reminiscent of the past, where Cosatu and the alliance were like ordinary NGOs and not allies.

"This contemptuous attitude flies against the spirit of the recent alliance summit and engagement."

During the congress ANC general secretary Gwede Mantashe chastised Cosatu leaders for attacking individual ministers in President Jacob Zuma's government, saying the critics should not isolate individuals.

"Our view was that the federation acted like it is dealing with individuals. We must always be wary of articulating ourselves in a way that triggers isolation of those cadres," Mantashe said.

"Our understanding is that once comrades are deployed to structures they will participate in those structures and be loyal to the decisions they take in those structures.