/ 3 March 2014

No political party just yet, says Numsa

Numsa deputy general secretary Karl Cloete.
Numsa deputy general secretary Karl Cloete.

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) is not forming a political party to contest the coming election, the union said on Monday.

"The United Front, [which] Numsa resolved upon in its special national congress, is a mobilising tool to organise and co-ordinate working class struggles," said deputy general secretary Karl Cloete.

"Numsa is on record as saying that we shall explore and internationally research the possibility of a movement for socialism, and report back to [our] Numsa central committee, in March [next year], on the international experience in the struggle for socialism."

He said a research report would lead to the establishment of a working class party, the form, shape and content of which should be determined in consultation with left and progressive formations in the country.

"Whether such a working class party contests elections in 2016, or 2019, the Numsa March 2015 central committee shall resolve," he said.

The idea that Numsa was forming a political party to contest this year's elections was false and baseless.

Numsa resolved at its special national congress in December that the union would not endorse or help the ANC's elections campaign, and would not endorse any political party in the 2014 national elections.

"Numsa members and officials have a right to vote for a political party of their choice," said Cloete. – Sapa