Unions and parties in South Africa: Cosatu and the ANC in the wake of Polokwane

What can trade unions do to enhance their influence within successful liberation movements while simultaneously protecting their autonomy? The chapter reviews COSATU’s relationship to the ANC and asks the question: How successful has the South African labour movement been in enhancing its autonomy when it has been, and still is, closely allied to the ANC and the SACP? Furthermore, are there alternative ways of influencing post-apartheid policy emerging?

Full reference: Southall, Roger & Edward Webster. 2010. “Unions and parties in South Africa: Cosatu and the ANC in the wake of Polokwane.” In: Beckmann, Björn, Sakhela Buhlungu & Lloyd Sachikonye (eds.). Trade Unions and Party Politics: Labour movements in Africa. Pretoria: HSRC Press.