The expulsion of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa  (NUMSA) from COSATU is probably the most significant event in recent years of the ongoing liberatory struggle in South Africa. The leadership of NUMSA deserves applause for their courageousness and resolution in defending the interests of the working class. Casting personal ambitions aside, they have embarked on a road that could prove critical for themselves and the future of the organisation. But the road ahead is far from being cut and dried.  NUMSA’s leadership has repeatedly stated that what is needed is a united front of trade unions and social movements/community organisations. Further, there have also been expressions of the need for a new workers party which can contest the municipal elections in 2016. It is not yet clear whether this is intended to simply be a parliamentary party or a party that is primarily committed to work for a radical change in South African society.

The first battle that the union faces revolves around COSATU. NUMSA does not accept its expulsion but it remains to be seen whether it is now regarded as a fait accompli.  Together with seven or eight unions in COSATU, who support NUMSA’s stance, there is now a fight for a special congress of COSATU. After the expulsion of NUMSA the COSATU executive has concurred that this conference can be held early next year. If it does materialise the possibility is that NUMSA may be reinstated and a new leadership of COSATU may be elected. This will seriously change the complexion of these developments.  Alternately the congress may end in a stalemate, leaving those unions currently supporting NUMSA to decide whether they should stay in COSATU or leave to join a new federation. The situation could become more clouded by the reaction of the rank and file members of all parties concerned.

In the mean time NUMSA is determined to press ahead with its call for a new united front. It is not yet clear whether left wing, extra-parliamentary political groupings will be welcome in such a front. Secondly, NUMSA’s continued adherence to the Freedom Charter and the mythical completion of National Democratic Revolution (NDR), as originally espoused by the ANC and the South African Communist Party (SACP), is certain to cause problems. Nevertheless, APDUSA applauds this drive unreservedly.  We argue that for a progressive united front to take the struggle of the oppressed and exploited forward, a transitional programme is required with the central demand for a new constituent assembly that will be governed by the interests of the workers, the unemployed and the landless peasantry  .

The Democratic Left Front (DLF), which  itself has been working for the establishment of a full blown united front, should now be on its guard not to tail-end NUMSA and to boldly voice its own conception of what this  front should be. Many different viewpoints can be expected but the only way forward is for a broad agreement to be reached via vigorous and open debate.