20100602
SABC

Political analysts believe that the reported fallout between the tripartite alliance may be linked to the ANC 2012 succession battle. The fallout in the alliance was sparked by the comment made last week, by Congress of South African Trade Unions' (Cosatu) Zwelinzima Vavi, who publicly spoke out against government’s failure to take action against, what he calls, corrupt ministers and has also been a supporter of lifestyle audits for politicians.

"While it seems obvious to us that the ANC cannot charge Vavi for speaking on behalf of Cosatu, it is not obvious to others simply because they may be blinded by political motives, which as I said include an attempt to dislodge him as an opponent in the battle for 2012," says political analyst, Aubrey Matshiqi.

Yesterday, it was reported that the ANC plans to charge Vavi with lack of discipline for his comments. Today the South African Communist Party (SACP) joined the fray, labeling an alleged ANC national working committee decision to discipline Vavi as reckless.

"Even if there was something horrible I had said, that goes against everything the alliance stands for or that undermines the spirit of that national executive committee statement which Cosatu has warmly welcomed, it cannot be the business of the ANC that it must discipline me," says Vavi.

The SACP says the decision undermines the ANC's own commitment to rules of engagement. Cosatu has threatened to quit the alliance, if the ANC decision is implemented. It says the ANC has no authority to discipline an alliance leader. The ANC is yet to respond to Cosatu's request for a meeting.