Cosatu’s Losi rubbishes ‘small minds’ behind alleged plot to unseat Ramaphosa

Cosatu President Zingiswa Losi has lashed out at those allegedly plotting to remove ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa, saying the federation will not “elevate small minds” behind anonymous campaigns ahead of the party’s upcoming National General Council.

She urged those who are eyeing the position to do so through the right channels rather than hiding behind anonymous campaigns.

Losi spoke on Saturday on the sidelines of Cosatu’s 40th anniversary celebration in Dobsonville, Soweto, where she was joined by Ramaphosa and SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila.

“We did not issue a statement because we did not want to elevate faceless investors,” she said, prompting a visible smile from Ramaphosa beside her. 

“There’s no organisation that will not experience these things when approaching a congress. When people are sure of what they are saying, then they must show their faces.”

“We are not going to elevate small minds and make them big. We have a leadership of the ANC elected at its conference at Nasrec - seven of them. We are in alliance with the ANC, led by President Ramaphosa, and with the SACP, led by comrade Solly Mapaila.”

Losi added that any member in good standing is free to contest positions through the ANC’s constitutional structures. 

“You can’t campaign to de-campaign others. Campaign for what you can do.”

Her remarks follow reports that some ANC NEC members are plotting to unseat Ramaphosa ahead of the party’s National General Council meeting from December 8 to 12.

The ANC has strongly denied the claims. 

Deputy Minister of Communication Mondli Gungubele and Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla, both named in the reports. However they have rejected the allegations.

Addressing the anniversary event, Ramaphosa reaffirmed the ANC’s commitment to strengthening its alliance with SANCO, Cosatu and the SACP, despite differences over the Government of National Unity (GNU).

“The ANC is determined to strengthen the relationship between the workers of our country and the ANC,” he said. 

“We must close ranks, unite, and advance the national democratic revolution.”

The SACP has opposed the GNU, arguing that it does not represent the interests of Black people and workers. 

It plans to contest the 2026 local government elections independently but remains within the tripartite alliance.

Ramaphosa said the alliance’s history shows that differences can be overcome. “Working together, the ANC and Cosatu secured tremendous victories for the working class,” he said, 

He praised Cosatu for its role in securing constitutional protections for workers and the implementation of the national minimum wage.

Ramaphosa also urged alliance partners to focus on strengthening their organisations, saying both the ANC and Cosatu have gone through “a weak period”. 

He called for broader union membership and reaffirmed support for implementing the National Health Insurance system.

Ramaphosa also highlighted Cosatu’s participation in global labour engagements, including recent G20 processes, saying South Africa’s leadership role “cannot be erased”.

He called for continued unity within the alliance. 

“We are going through a tremendously difficult period, but we are stronger together than apart. The unity of the alliance remains paramount.”

“Let us call on the spirit and strength of those who came before us to build a better South Africa and a better working environment for the workers of our country,” he said.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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