Numsa plays host to the disaffected of the tripartite alliance

Natasha Marrian writes that National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) gatherings have become a meeting place of the disgruntled. Formations and individuals at odds with the ruling ANC and its allies are coalescing around the union, as it forges ahead with its decision to form a United Front, a precursor to a possible workers' or socialist political party to contest future elections. Suspended Cosatu boss Zwelinzima Vavi is the most prominent of the disgruntled, landing deeper in hot water over his public addresses at Numsa events. Suspended SA Democratic Teachers Union president Thobile Ntola is also often greeted warmly by Numsa delegates. Former ANC provincial executive committee member and Limpopo finance MEC David Masondo, who was axed in a wide-spread shake up of the provincial government, introduced a discussion on "Marxist Theories on the Role of the State" at Numsa's political school this week, and chaired a number of sessions thereafter. Marrian says this could be a microcosm of what Numsa's United Front would represent, when it gets off the ground.