SACP under fire from Cosatu

RELATIONS between Cosatu and the SACP look set to become more strained as the union federation seeks to protect itself from perceived threats from the party.

Cosatu's draft political report, to be presented next week at the labour federation's national congress, continues to raise concerns around the perception that the SACP "is acting to divide the central executive committee on consensus decisions [Cosatu] has taken".

Reports have previously fingered Cosatu members, who have been recently re-elected onto the SACP central executive, as being responsible for the frequent backtracks.

The report further notes: "There have been a number of issues in recent times where the CEC has resolved matters without dissent. But once the party meets, and pronounces differently, the CEC's cohesion takes strain."

However, the report does not elaborate on CEC decisions that have been taken but later recanted.

Cosatu national spokesman Patrick Craven yesterday said he could not explain Cosatu's apparent concern with the SACP.

"Given that it [the political report] has not been released, I cannot comment on anything. Perhaps we should wait for the congress next week."

Cosatu affiliate Numsa has also stoked the fires after demanding that SACP general secretary Blade Nzimande and his deputy Jeremy Cronin give up their cabinet positions and return to the party headquarters full time.

The SACP's close relations to the ANC continue to raise the ire of Cosatu.