The ruling African National Congress (ANC) says the expulsion of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) is disappointing and tragic. ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe addressed reporters on Monday at Luthuli House, following the outcome of the Central Executive Committee of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu).

Mantashe said that Cosatu was established to advance worker solidarity, to unite and organise workers and the working class to improve their conditions. He said the ANC’s view had always been that it should support Cosatu in its historic mission to consolidate and advance worker unity.       

He pointed out that the ANC, as an organisation, would resist any temptation to engage in the current dispute characterised by mudslinging and insults against individuals or components of the tripartite alliance. He said the ANC’s position was that the expulsion was "bad for the ANC, bad for the alliance, the progressive forces as well as for society in general".

He said the task team the ruling party had established, led by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, was to mediate and assist in addressing the challenges facing Cosatu and its affiliates. Amongst the suggestions provided was for Numsa to reverse its decision to extend its scope beyond its identified industry and subject itself to the discipline, principles and regulations of the federation. In the context of seeking to preserve unity, Cosatu was also advised to be sensitive to the political implications of the case facing its General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi. 

Mantashe emphasised that the challenges facing the federation were not insurmountable, nor irreconcilable. However, he conceded that allowing a split would only help the historic enemies of the alliance. He said the expulsion of Numsa should not be celebrated and called upon the alliance to work hard to “find each other”. He said the ANC would continue to engage the federation to conduct a detailed analysis of the impact of this decision. The ANC would further engage with all the affiliates with a view of consolidating unity.

"Constructive contestations are healthy and must always be appreciated within the context of the democratic character of the movement," he said, adding that the parties must protect the movement against any attack on its principles. The party was working hard to find solutions, but was also vigilant of any strategies and plans to destroy Cosatu and the alliance.

Mantashe also noted that the attacks on the ANC by Numsa were unfounded. He said the ANC remained committed to, and continued to pursue, the implementation of the Freedom Charter. Meanwhile, he said the conflict in Cosatu had to be treated as a conflict inside the federation in which the ANC task team remained available to assist in the resolution thereof and ensure reconciliation and the building of unity and cohesion in the federation.