Johannesburg – Labour federation Cosatu has called on the ANC to “clean house” and deal with corruption and corporate capture within the party and government.
In the wake of the damning constitutional court ruling over the powers of the public protector in the Nkandla matter, Cosatu said its ally needed to reflect deeply to win over “violated” public confidence.
The federations’ leaders met on Tuesday to discuss the ruling and other issues which have affected the image of its alliance partner, the ANC in recent days.
“This court ruling should act as a wakeup call for both the executive and the National Assembly to do some serious introspection…COSATU calls on the ANC leadership collective to provide the necessary leadership to the movement, the Alliance and the entire society. Despite their personal positions and views, they need to act to defend the revolutionary character of the movement and the revolution itself,” said Cosatu spokesman, Sizwe Pamla in a statement.
The organisation also wants the party to move swiftly to stamp out corporate capture of the state.
During discussions over the Gupta family businesses and its unsavoury links to government, Cosatu demanded that President Jacob Zuma should publicly cut ties with the family which has been outed for using its influence to interfere within the party and the state.
It said the Gupta family which it describes as a “liability” had embarrassed, divided and weakened the movement.
“He (Zuma) should reprimand them (Guptas) and make it clear that they do not have his tacit support or endorsement. Their overconfidence and bravado is proof that they view the relationship with the president and his family as a ticket to interfere in state and ANC affairs,” said Pamla.
The federation further advised the ANC to defend and protect its moral authority and standing by enforcing discipline and accountability within the party and the government, warning that failure to do so had given “hypocritical” opposition parties ammunition against it.
As members of parliament (MPs) prepared to debate an impeachment call against President Zuma on Tuesday afternoon, Cosatu appealed with ANC MPs to vote against the motion.
“They should not do this to defend and serve an individual but to defend our revolutionary gains. They should remember that they do not represent themselves and their personal views but a movement that is in pursuit of the National Democratic Revolution,” explained Pamla.
Labour Bureau
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