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The ANC Limpopo's alleged failure to pay its workers' salaries was shocking, Cosatu said on Monday.

“The matter should be treated as both serious and urgent,” said Cosatu provincial secretary Dan Sebabi.

“We expect the ANC to lead a programme for transformation of society and to fight for the improvement of working and living conditions of our people as a whole,” he said.

Sebabi called on the African National Congress headquarters to intervene.

Last week, ANC Limpopo spokesman Makonde Mathiva refused to comment on claims by employees at Franse Mohlala House – the ANC's provincial headquarters in Polokwane – that they had not been paid their January salaries.

Mathiva said it was inappropriate for him to discuss the matter as it was of a confidential nature.

The workers are usually paid on the 25th of each month.

They told the Sowetan newspaper that the ANC had sent them from pillar to post whenever they enquired about their salaries.

They also claimed they were not paid bonuses in December, as had been the norm in previous years.

ANC spokesman Keith Khoza said all matters relating to salaries were dealt with by the party's treasurer Mathews Phosa.

Phosa could not be immediately reached for comment.

Last month, provincial secretary Soviet Lekganyane admitted that the party had financial problems.

It had asked traditional leaders for money ahead of its provincial centenary celebrations in Sekhukhune and had been given 15 cows.

Lekganyane reportedly said the financial problems within the party were the result of a number of events held last year, including the December provincial elective conference at which premier Cassel Mathale held on to his post as ANC chairman. – Sapa