JOHANNESBURG, Friday 16 October 2026 — The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) will support both the African National Congress (ANC) and South African Communist Party (SACP) during the 4 November local government elections, newly elected federation president Mike Shingange has said, despite the two traditional alliance partners contesting the polls separately.
Shingange confirmed the position during an interview with 702 on Friday, saying the federation would not choose between the two political organisations.
His comments come amid continuing tensions within the tripartite alliance following the SACP’s decision to contest the municipal elections independently of the ANC.
The position places COSATU in the unusual situation of supporting two alliance partners competing for votes in the same election.
COSATU will not choose between alliance partners
Speaking to Bongani Bingwa on 702, Shingange said COSATU would continue supporting both the ANC and SACP.
He argued that choosing one party over the other would undermine the federation’s relationship with its traditional alliance partners.
Shingange said many COSATU members also belong to either the ANC or SACP, making it difficult for the federation to support one organisation exclusively.
He maintained that the federation’s approach was intended to preserve unity within the labour movement and the broader alliance.
The position means COSATU is not publicly committing itself exclusively to the ANC’s municipal election campaign.
However, Shingange did not announce a detailed arrangement explaining how the federation would manage campaign activities where ANC and SACP candidates directly oppose one another.
SACP’s independent campaign complicates alliance relations
The ANC, SACP and COSATU have maintained a longstanding political alliance dating back to the struggle against apartheid.
Historically, the SACP has supported ANC electoral campaigns rather than contesting national and local elections independently on a broad scale.
Its decision to contest the 2026 municipal elections under its own banner has created new questions about cooperation between the alliance partners.
The SACP’s participation means voters in some municipalities will be able to choose between candidates representing the ANC and those representing the communist party.
The development also creates challenges for trade union members who participate in political activities through both organisations.
Shingange’s comments suggest that COSATU intends to maintain relationships with both parties rather than treating the SACP’s independent campaign as a reason to end cooperation.
New leadership acknowledges alliance tensions
Shingange was elected COSATU president on Wednesday, 14 October, during the federation’s 15th national congress.
He succeeded Zingiswa Losi, who moved into the position of general secretary.
Shingange previously served as president of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union and as COSATU’s first deputy president.
His election followed a contest against Mabutho Cele, deputy president of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union.
Speaking on Friday, Shingange acknowledged that the tripartite alliance was experiencing difficulties.
He said the federation remained committed to efforts to revive, strengthen and reconfigure the alliance.
The comments indicate that COSATU’s new leadership intends to pursue continued cooperation rather than an immediate separation from either political partner.
Labour federation faces organisational challenges
Shingange also addressed concerns about the condition of the trade union movement.
He identified retrenchments, business closures and rising living costs as major challenges affecting workers.
He rejected suggestions that South Africa’s labour laws were responsible for holding back economic growth, arguing instead that stronger protections remained necessary.
Shingange also acknowledged difficulties within some COSATU affiliates.
He said 11 of the federation’s 16 affiliated unions were performing well, while efforts were continuing to strengthen the remaining organisations.
The federation’s internal priorities will therefore run alongside its political commitments during the municipal election campaign.
Election campaign tests alliance cooperation
COSATU’s position adds another dimension to the political contest ahead of the 4 November elections.
The ANC is seeking to defend and regain municipal support following several years of declining electoral dominance and increasingly fragmented local government.
The SACP’s decision to contest independently introduces direct competition between organisations that have historically worked together during election campaigns.
Shingange’s undertaking to support both parties leaves questions about how COSATU’s political activities will be coordinated at provincial and municipal level.
No formal agreement governing joint or separate campaign activities was announced during Friday’s interview.
The federation’s approach will become clearer as ANC and SACP campaigns intensify during the remaining weeks before voting day.
