Zuma warns alliance partners

2005-12-04 18:07

Johannesburg - African National Congress (ANC) deputy president Jacob Zuma on Sunday cited a "fast modernising society", self-enrichment, ambition and a quest for power as threats facing the tripartite alliance.

Speaking at the 20th anniversary of the Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) - an alliance member - in Durban, Zuma said the quest for economic, social and political power was threatening the foundation on which the liberation movement was built.

"We face a real danger of losing what made us the ANC - our values, the spirit of comradeship, the sense of selflessness that led so many people to sacrifice their lives for our freedom and democracy."

Zuma called for the alliance to remain the political centre that drove transformation, and for the ANC not to be afraid when workers raised their problems and concerns.

"Instead, we should take this as a challenge and an opportunity to engage.

"Without a strong organised working class, our movement and revolution will be severely weakened."

Zuma told delegates that the movement was faced with many challenges ahead, but that it had the Freedom Charter and the Bill of Rights in the Constitution to rely on for direction.

He said alliance should remain the political centre that drove transformation.

- SAPA