In a bid to rally voters, Cosatu has taken the unusual step of writing an open letter to explain to workers why it is asking them to back the ruling party in the May 18 elections when its leaders have been vocal in criticising the government.
The letter warns workers against boycotting the May 18 elections as this would “open space” for the DA and be a “political own goal” that would reverse the gains made in the past 17 years of ANC rule.
Released on Friday evening, the letter comes in the wake of ANC criticism of Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi for comments that party secretary general Gwede Mantashe said were “unhelpful” to the party’s elections campaign.
Mantashe also suggested Vavi had crossed the line by calling for Co-operative Governance Minister Sicelo Shiceka to be sacked if allegations against him of extravagant and possibly fraudulent spending of state funds were proven to be true.
This irked some in Cosatu, with KwaZulu-Natal provincial secretary Zet Luzipo saying: “The remarks attributed to Mantashe suggest that somehow that he already knows that the ANC will not do well in these elections, and he has concluded that Vavi is the cause.
“Our movement has consistently highlighted the need to root out corruption within the state and among our ranks, so we find it strange when Mantashe says Cosatu has no right to assert that those find guilty of corruption should be fired from government and that the ANC should take drastic steps against them.”
The letter acknowledges that “many of you would have heard Cosatu leaders over and over raising concerns with government and the ANC”, including the crisis of unemployment, poverty and inequality.
“Yes it is Cosatu that has marched against corruption, exposed corrupt individuals, and demanded that government must take stronger action against those stealing resources,” the letter says.
It also acknowledges “that some among us are extremely disappointed by the failures of this and that department and or even individual leaders of the government.
“We are aware of many other challenges, including in some cases the shenanigans that have sidelined good men and women in favour of powerful factions that have appointed themselves as gatekeepers, including in some instances in the selection of local government councillors.”
But it adds: “With all of this we are appealing to each one of you not to forget the bigger picture. Boycotting elections and worse of all voting for a party whose policies seek to reinforce the power and control of a wealthy and racist minority in society, will be a huge mistake.”
The letter includes a lengthy list of government statistics on delivery of housing and services, including social grants, pensions and improved access to education. - Gaye Davis