JOINT STATEMENT OF THE ANC AND COSATU

31 March 2008

The African National Congress (ANC) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) held a bilateral meeting in Johannesburg on 31 March 2008. The meeting reflected the new spirit of unity and co-operation which has been the hallmark of the Alliance since the ANC Polokwane Conference.

Leaders of the two organisations held comradely but frank discussions on the political situation post-Polokwane and many specific issues of common concern. The meeting resolved that the partners must work even more closely together to present a common front on all the overwhelming majority of issues on which we agree and to manage better the few issues on which we have different views.

Various issues, including more worker representation on the ANC NEC, and the proposed Alliance Pact were referred to the forthcoming Alliance Summit, for which both COSATU and the ANC are preparing detailed policy papers.

There was agreement to work together on a number of specific issues:

• The SABC Board.

The meeting received a report that COSATU was preparing to take the matter about the representivity of the SABC board to court. It was agreed that there was a need for a further meeting to discuss possible options on how best the SABC matter could be handled.

• The Nelson Mandela Metro.

The meeting discussed the prevailing situation in the Nelson Mandela Municipality and the ANC Regional structure which are riven with serious problems. These included victimisation of SAMWU members. The meeting also expressed concern about the reports and allegations on the gross mismanagement throughout the Eastern Cape Province. It was agreed that an urgent alliance intervention would be required.

• May Day.
  The meeting said the theme of the 2008 May Day Rallies will be "Defend democratic gains - Fight unemployment! Crush poverty and unemployment! Create decent work now!" They will focus on jobs and the rising cost of living. The Senior leadership of the Alliance has been deployed to address the rallies.
• The Eskom crisis:
  The meeting spent time discussing the causes and implications of the current electricity crisis. The ANC had already had a discussion with relevant ministers to consider different options on how best the crisis could be handled moving forward. The meeting also expressed concern about the proposed 53% tariff increase especial its negative impact on the economy in general and the poor in particular. The meeting declared that the electricity crisis must not lead to job losses, and that the proposed 53% tariff increase is not acceptable. It was agreed to support the call for an Energy Summit to find solutions to the energy crisis.
• Food prices:
  There was agreement that workers and the poor are suffering deeply because of the rocketing price of basic foods, oil and many other commodities, which are eroding our standard of living and this must be made a priority for the alliance.

  Issued by:
  African National Congress
  Congress of South African Trade Unions