Debate needed on Cosatu, ANC relationship

The debate on whether the ANC is leading Cosatu in the right direction needs to continue, the trade union federation's Gauteng chairman Phutas Tseki says.

"Are we part of the ANC or walking next to the ANC?" Tseki asked in Johannesburg.

"Are we not seen to be part of the ANC in the form of campaigns led by the ANC and leadership of the ANC?"

Tseki was addressing delegates at the Congress of SA Trade Unions Gauteng provincial executive committee meeting. He said the African National Congress was leader of the alliance, a decision supported by Cosatu. However, there was nothing wrong with debating whether the ANC was taking Cosatu forward.

"Are we being pushed away?" asked Tseki.

He also spoke about labour brokers, saying Cosatu was pleased that President Jacob Zuma had addressed the issue during his state-of-the-nation address last week.

Tseki said he knew the ANC was looking at regulating labour brokers, but Cosatu wanted a total ban.

"This [issue] will be taken to the ANC policy conference and we hope it goes through to the national conference," he said.

Cosatu president Sidumo Dlamini had been scheduled to address the meeting on Wednesday, but was unable to attend.