Cosatu wishes SACP a successful fifth special national congress

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) extended its best wishes to its alliance partner, the South African Communist Party (SACP), ahead of its fifth special national congress. 

“We wish the SACP a successful and historic special national congress," Cosatu spokesperson, Zanele Sabela

The congress, taking place from December 11 to 14, at the Birchwood Hotel’s OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, comes at a pivotal moment as the country gears up for the 2026 Local Government Elections.

The congress is expected to address significant political and socioeconomic issues affecting the tripartite alliance, consisting of the SACP, Cosatu, and the African National Congress (ANC). 

"This critical gathering provides a platform to renew the alliance, refine strategies to address austerity and neoliberalism, and inspire faith in the liberation movement at a time when the working class is under immense pressure,” Sabela said.

One of the issues the SACP is expected to address was its indication that it may contest the elections independently, a move that could reshape the alliance's future while aiming to advance the interests of the working class and marginalised communities.

The congress will also deliberate on challenges such as rising unemployment, inadequate service delivery, and growing public disillusionment with the alliance. 

These issues have underscored the need for what the SACP has described as a “radical reconfiguration” of the alliance to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to the needs of the people.

Discussions are likely to include strategies to combat austerity measures, advance worker empowerment, and restore public confidence in the alliance’s ability to deliver meaningful change.

Cosatu praised the SACP for its longstanding commitment to the principles of socialism, worker solidarity, and the fight against corruption and state capture. 

Cosatu reiterated its commitment to working alongside the SACP in ensuring the alliance secures a decisive victory in the 2026 Local Government Elections.

“The resolutions taken at this congress will have far-reaching implications not only for the working class but for South Africa’s political future," Sabela said.

"We remain confident that the SACP will continue to play a leading role in shaping a progressive, inclusive society.”

IOL