- so they can learn about fiscal and monetary between the Communist Party and the ANC In Search of Leadership provoked a flurry of conflicting assessments within the left. COSATU's executive committee was unambiguous: "Government's macro-economic framework takes a direction diametrically opposed to the economic growth path outlined in the Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP). Based on the economic model of the IMF/ World Bank and Reserve Bank, it will not enable the creation of 400,000 new jobs, nor deliver the social needs of our people. At most it will increase the gap between rich and poor, and condemn the homeless and jobless to extreme levels of poverty"
At his union's 1996, conference, Miners' Union (NUMSA) president Godongwana, a member of the COSATU executive committee, had rejected GEAR as a "sop to neoliberalism". But by February 1997 he was pouring oil on troubled waters: "because we [the Alliance partners] come from the same perspective there is agreement on objectives. The difference is over what instruments and tools we use to achieve them"
This climb-down came after the SACP (Godongwana is a member) had decided to "keep talking to influence the ANC on details and implementation". Jeremy Cronin, SACP deputy General Secretary, was equally reassuring: "The Alliance will be around for a long time", he said, contradicting his earlier comment that "we never said the Alliance would last forever".
Tensions in the Alliance preceded the GEAR programme. It has its roots in the practical requirements of a "National Democratic Revolution". This (essentially SACP) notion requires that COSATU give up its class independence by putting national' interests before working class interests. This has never sat comfortably with the unions and raised outcries when the RDP [drafted by
Strong words rang out from the Regional Workers' Forums organised by a COSATU commission established in September 1996. Among the issues raised were the state of COSATU's locals (branches), the way the federation operates, relations between affiliates and federation, the tripartite Alliance, relations between COSATU and government, and the need for a plan to achieve socialism.
The key problem raised was the union movement's lack of vision: "the movement had lost its way and this has resulted in a lack of interest" some participants said. "Members are confused and there is lack of direction in the workers struggle - they don't know whom to fight against". COSATU, it was said, had tailed to provide a broad political vision and a program of action for its membership. The promotion of shop stewards weakened the union. There was also a lack of organisational discipline - e.g lack of attendance at meetings of various structures, members ignoring calls for action around campaigns, the gap between leadership and membership widening, and a lack of communication between national leadership and membership
Many participants said that COSATU should put more resources into building its locals, employ local organisers and strengthen campaign structures which are not working. "If there are no campaigns the structures of the organisation begins to die" was a common compliving wage campaign and the campaign for a 40-hour week" was another. "There is a need to democratise the workplace without compromising the independence of workers and their organisations."
Some said COSATU was failing in its goal of promoting working class interests: and asked "what has happened to COSATU's vision of socialism?" COSATU had to be independent, whether within the Alliance or outside. There was mixed opinions on whether the Alliance should continue. There was criticism of the way it had functioned but the dominant view was that it should continue and be strengthened "to ensure an ANC win in the 1999 elections". Strong views were expressed on the need for COSATU to intervene strategically in the political, social and economic issues of the day. The Reconstruction and Development Programme was still identified as COSATU's brainchild and the union confederation should steer its membership towards a worker friendly economy.
Many participants argued that a some vehicle to achieve socialism needs to be found, and the socialist vision rekindled "Socialism should not be a dream, but should be linked to the concrete reality and the lives of the workers" . COSATU should take the lead to bring together socialist organisations to determine a vision of how socialism could be attained. COSATU should encourage a revival of the discussion and debates on socialism.*
May 1997 #288 25