COSATU Pledges Full Support to ANC Ahead of Vote
The federation's backing comes ahead of an election it describes as the most contested since 1994.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Unions
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COSATU has offered its full support to the ANC at the party's Siyanqoba election rally, reaffirming the alliance it has maintained through its 15th National Congress. The national election is scheduled for 4 November, with hundreds of parties on the ballot.
Why it matters
The pledge reinforces the tripartite alliance between the ANC, COSATU and the SACP as voters in South Africa prepare for a contest that the federation describes as the most contested since 1994. COSATU argues that only the ANC and SACP have stood with workers, while rival parties seek to roll back workers' gains.
The national election is scheduled for 4 November, with hundreds of political parties on the ballot paper. The source does not indicate how many members COSATU represents or what share of the vote the alliance is expected to receive.
The players
COSATU
The Congress of South African Trade Unions is the country's largest trade union federation and a member of the tripartite alliance with the ANC and SACP.
ANC
The African National Congress is South Africa's governing party and the senior partner in the tripartite alliance.
The details
COSATU said it will work with ANC councillors and government to rebuild struggling municipalities, and will campaign at shopping centres, taxi ranks, factories, mines, hospitals and schools. The federation said it will remain side by side with the ANC and SACP after 4 November.
Timeline
4 November: national election day, after which the alliance will continue.
Political Context
COSATU frames its endorsement as a continuation of the tripartite alliance that dates to the anti-apartheid struggle, positioning the ANC and SACP as the only parties that stood with workers. The federation's stance contrasts with rival parties it says seek to reverse labour gains made since 1994.
Voters will head to the polls on 4 November with hundreds of parties on the ballot. COSATU's campaigning at workplaces, taxi ranks and public facilities signals where union-linked outreach will be concentrated.
The takeaway
The endorsement shows how the tripartite alliance is positioning itself on labour issues ahead of a contested vote. Readers following the election should watch how the federation's campaigning shapes turnout among workers.
What happens next
The national election takes place on 4 November, after which the alliance is expected to continue its partnership.
Further reading
For more on the labour movement's role in politics, see Unions coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mediadon.
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