“The Cosatu 15th National Congress collapsed in Midrand after disputes over delegate suspensions and leadership eligibility, with tensions between ANC-aligned and SACP-aligned factions spilling into the proceedings. The breakdown underscores the weakening unity of the Tripartite Alliance, raising uncertainty about electoral support ahead of the November 2026 municipal elections.”
The collapse of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) 15th National Congress this week has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s political landscape. What was meant to be a pivotal gathering to deliberate on workers’ worsening conditions and elect new leadership instead became a battleground for factional disputes between the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP). The breakdown of proceedings not only highlights the fragility of the Tripartite Alliance but also raises pressing questions about the future of South Africa’s political coalitions ahead of the November 2026 municipal elections.
Background: The Tripartite Alliance Under Strain
For over three decades, the Tripartite Alliance—comprising the ANC, SACP, and Cosatu—has been a cornerstone of South African politics. The alliance historically provided a united front in advancing workers’ rights, socialist ideals, and democratic governance. However, recent years have seen growing tensions, particularly as the ANC has partnered with centre-right parties in the Government of National Unity. This move alienated the SACP, which has now fielded its own candidates for the upcoming elections, breaking with tradition and signaling a major political realignment.
The Collapse of the Congress
The four-day congress, scheduled to begin on September 15 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, was derailed almost immediately. Disputes over delegate credentials and the suspension of Cosatu’s first deputy president, Mike Shingange, created a deadlock. Shingange, who is also president of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu), had been suspended by his union just days before the congress. Although the Labour Court cleared him to contest, Nehawu’s refusal to nominate him sparked outrage among his supporters.
By day two, tensions escalated as seven of Cosatu’s 21 affiliated unions, led by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), withdrew their credentials in protest. This action collapsed the quorum, effectively halting the congress. Delegates exchanged heated insults, and attempts by senior leaders—including ANC chair Gwede Mantashe and SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila—to mediate failed.
Factional Alignments: ANC vs. SACP
The leadership contest became a proxy battle between ANC-aligned and SACP-aligned factions. Current Cosatu president Zingiswa Losi is seen as closer to the ANC, while Shingange is aligned with the SACP. Posters outside the venue openly displayed “Vote ANC” and “Vote SACP” slogans, underscoring the political stakes. The congress was expected to decide whether Cosatu would back the ANC or the SACP in the elections, but the collapse left this critical question unanswered.
Financial and Organizational Fallout
The congress reportedly cost around R12 million, with union representatives traveling from across South Africa at their own expense. The failure to even begin proceedings has left many questioning Cosatu’s organizational strength and credibility. The federation announced that the congress would be reconvened within one month, but the damage to its reputation and unity is already significant.
Implications for the November Elections
The collapse of the congress has immediate implications for the November 4 municipal elections. For the first time since the advent of democracy, the SACP will contest elections independently, challenging the ANC’s dominance. Cosatu’s indecision on whether to support the ANC or SACP could fragment worker votes, weakening the alliance’s electoral power. This division may benefit opposition parties, particularly those positioning themselves as alternatives to the ANC’s governance.
Broader Political Significance
The incident reflects a broader trend of fragmentation within South Africa’s political coalitions. The ANC, once the unifying force of liberation politics, now faces challenges from within its own alliance. The SACP’s decision to contest elections independently signals a shift toward multiparty competition, potentially reshaping the political landscape. For workers and unions, the collapse raises concerns about whether their voices will be effectively represented in the coming elections.
Conclusion
The collapse of Cosatu’s 15th National Congress is more than a procedural failure—it is a symbol of the deep fractures within South Africa’s political alliances. As the ANC and SACP drift apart, the future of the Tripartite Alliance hangs in the balance. With municipal elections looming, the inability of Cosatu to resolve its internal disputes may weaken its influence and alter the trajectory of South African politics.
