SACP boss Blade Nzimande yesterday lambasted his Cosatu counterpart Zwelinzima Vavi, for criticising the tripartite alliance in his political report while praising "other forces"
In the written version of his address to delegates at the Cosatu 11th congress in the Midrand, Nzimande said the SACP was concerned about the tone of Vavi's political report. However he did not read out to delegates part of the speech that attacked Vavi.
"Strongly implied in the report is a more critical stance towards the alliance: an uncritical praise and elevation of tactical alliances with a whole variety of other forces. This is, we believe, an incorrect posture by Cosatu," Nzimande said.
His attack on Vavi is a sign that divisions remain in the tripartite alliance despite attempts to display a united force.
Vavi's political report suggests that the alliance is almost dysfunctional, especially at a provincial level. He attributes this to the appointment of SACP office bearers to government positions.
Vavi also defended Cosatu's decision to partner with NGOs to host the civil society summit in 2010, an event that was seen by some within the ANC as an anti-government gathering. In response, Nzimande warned Cosatu to remember who their real friends are.
"Whilst we accept that COSATU may form tactical alliances with various formations at different points in time, caution must always be taken against whom are our real friends are."
Without mentioning names, Nzimande also endorsed the Hawks's investigation on Julius Malema's alleged involvement in inciting violence in Marikana.