COSATU'S reaction to Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande's R1million car is yet more proof that principles can be stretched in politics.

COSATU'S reaction to Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande's R1million car is yet more proof that principles can be stretched in politics.

The labour federation has made an amazing flip-flop on what they thought of ministers buying expensive cars.

When Siphiwe Nyanda and Angie Motshekga were caught up in the "cargate" scandal, Cosatu's Zwelinzima Vavi came out strongly.

"Rule or no rule, they can't just buy expensive cars ... giving the impression they do not care about the message this opulence sends to the poor," he said.

Now that it is their left-leaning comrade in the pound seats Cosatu has suddenly become understanding.

The leftists have invoked the wrong Marx - Groucho the comedian, who once said "those are my principles, and if you don't like them ... well, I have others"