The National Union of Metalworkers (Numsa) is going ahead with its plan to form a political party to contest power against the ANC.
The union sustained its attack on the ANC, which it said had been captured by few “filthy” rich black individuals represented by the party’s deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa.
“A filthy rich black and African tiny middle class, now politically represented by Cyril Ramaphosa, has become very vocal and is now leading the ANC.
“This parasitic black middle class now believes BEE can and does build a prosperous society. He is swimming in wealth. We are led by capitalists of note,” said Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim.
He said Numsa would not be transformed into a political party but would act as a catalyst for the formation of an organisation which would contest elections.
“Internally in the ANC doors are closed to any possibility for a radical transition, as undemocratic practices have become the order of the day, whenever radical policies are demanded by the working class,” he said.
Jim said previous Cosatu congresses took resolutions that the federation should initiate talks with a broad range of progressive social movements in an attempt to strengthen the hand of the working class and communities as a whole.
“What our detractors fear is the mighty power of the united working class, united and working together with their communities.
“We are forging ahead to implement a long-standing resolution of Cosatu to build a United Front of social forces.”
Numsa would defend its affiliation with Cosatu and would not succumb to attempts to dismiss it.
Early in the year the ANC, led by Ramaphosa and its deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte, intervened in Cosatu divisions and they advised against Numsa expulsion from the federation.
Ramaphosa said the ANC’s preference was that Cosatu should remain united.
At the centre of current tensions in the tripartite alliance is the belief of Numsa that Cosatu has lost its ideological stance and was without direction as a result.
To remedy this, the metalworkers union hopes to capture Cosatu – through a special congress – and style it as a purely left-wing trade union federation.
Its politics would be to the left of the ANC and SACP, both of which Numsa views as having succumbed to the temptations of capitalism.
Talk of a UDF-like United Front and a Movement for Socialism are part of broader efforts to rebuild a socialist Cosatu.
Numsa push for new party
The union sustained its attack on the ANC, which it said had been captured by few “filthy” rich black individuals represented by the party’s deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa.
“A filthy rich black and African tiny middle class, now politically represented by Cyril Ramaphosa, has become very vocal and is now leading the ANC.
“This parasitic black middle class now believes BEE can and does build a prosperous society. He is swimming in wealth. We are led by capitalists of note,” said Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim.
He said Numsa would not be transformed into a political party but would act as a catalyst for the formation of an organisation which would contest elections.
“Internally in the ANC doors are closed to any possibility for a radical transition, as undemocratic practices have become the order of the day, whenever radical policies are demanded by the working class,” he said.
Jim said previous Cosatu congresses took resolutions that the federation should initiate talks with a broad range of progressive social movements in an attempt to strengthen the hand of the working class and communities as a whole.
“What our detractors fear is the mighty power of the united working class, united and working together with their communities.
“We are forging ahead to implement a long-standing resolution of Cosatu to build a United Front of social forces.”
Numsa would defend its affiliation with Cosatu and would not succumb to attempts to dismiss it.
Early in the year the ANC, led by Ramaphosa and its deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte, intervened in Cosatu divisions and they advised against Numsa expulsion from the federation.
Ramaphosa said the ANC’s preference was that Cosatu should remain united.
At the centre of current tensions in the tripartite alliance is the belief of Numsa that Cosatu has lost its ideological stance and was without direction as a result.
To remedy this, the metalworkers union hopes to capture Cosatu – through a special congress – and style it as a purely left-wing trade union federation.
Its politics would be to the left of the ANC and SACP, both of which Numsa views as having succumbed to the temptations of capitalism.
Talk of a UDF-like United Front and a Movement for Socialism are part of broader efforts to rebuild a socialist Cosatu.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos