The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Free State congratulates our Alliance partner, the African National Congress for winning the by-elections which took place on 19 July 2023.

Following the developing trend where the ANC councillors in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality voted against the directive of the movement and were expelled, the IEC declared vacancies and four wards had to undergo by-elections. The contestation was very high in all the four wards (Ward 7, 29, 49 & 50). We wish to acknowledge the support bestowed upon the ANC by the voters. We make a clarion call to our Alliance partner to take this responsibility with humility and honour!

We hope and trust that the ANC has obtained lessons from this election. We want to also urge the movement to focus on service delivery to the communities, as that was the sole reason for contestation. We will engage with our alliance partner to seek alternative interventions to restore confidence in the municipality including buttressing stability within the Municipality.

As the Federation guided by our Congress resolution to support the ANC, we ensured our participation in the mobilization program for the victory of the ANC in the by-elections. The outcome of the results attests to the relevance of the Alliance and the confidence of the community in the ANC led Alliance. We take this opportunity to also acknowledge the volunteers of the Federation who took part in the elections campaign. We have also learned our lesson as the Federation in terms of strengthening our working together. As the Federation we will be part of the process of holding the Council accountable towards to community.

Until then, ANC Councillors in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality have been given state power to focus on delivering basic services to our people, we expect exactly that and nothing less. We wish to implore all councillors and deployees of the movement in the municipality to commit to their mandate and prioritize our people. Naturally resolving issues of workers will always be part of the equation when things are done correctly.

The struggle continues!

Issued by COSATU Free State

Monyatso oa Mahlatsi,Free State Provincial Secretary
Tel: 051 447 5499
Cell:076 115 9923