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Uncontested ANC leadership at Mangaung unlikely

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Analysts suggest the call made at the closing of the Cosatu Congress for an uncontested ANC leadership at Mangaung may not be plain sailing and it is highly likely to fall on deaf ears.
An anticipated Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) revolt fizzled out instead a show of forced unity. Even South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu)and National Union of Metalworkers (NUM) of South Africa backed a second term for ANC President, Jacob Zuma.

A final decision was referred to Cosatu’s Central Executive Committee. Cosatu wants the ANC to emulate its show of unity.
Political analyst, Somadoda Fikeni says: “They are better off that if they had gone for an open contest where they would still be licking wounds. They have a chance of working together because after Marikana, they realise that their threats are more internally that externally.”

Fikeni argues that Cosatu’s call is a pipe-dream, given the complex and deep divisions in the ANC

With the alliance united, Cosatu can then push for a more leftist economic policy. But, the ANC’s succession race is the Everest.
Fikeni argues that Cosatu’s call is a pipe-dream, given the complex and deep divisions in the ANC.
“It is not given because the sense of mistrust within some of the ANC leaders is too deep and some have started campaigning. The Youth League factor is also there. So it does not necessarily mean that their position will prevail to influence the ANC.”

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