Events since however have exposed the lack of leadership and capacity within the Tripartite Alliance that is needed to implement the agreement. Sadly therefore we find ourselves back in the same difficult situation as in 2001. There is no engagement between the President and COSATU at an Alliance level and this has led to a new crisis and strained relations.

There was however a historic bilateral meeting between the office-bearers of the ANC and COSATU on 26 September, which agreed that the main differences between them were on economic policy rather than political opposition.

COSATU has continued to make important gains, which are documented in the article below. They include the new amendments to labour laws which have further consolidated workers' rights. These gains however, continue to be undermined by massive job losses, rising food prices, growing poverty, deepening inequality and the casualisation of labour.2003 will see the Growth and Development Summit, COSATU's Central Committee and its 8th National Congress.

This special Shopsteward looks at some of the issues to be debated at the 51st Conference of the African National Congress in Stellenbosch from 16-20 December. COSATU members will be playing their full part to make the conference a success and strengthen the Tripartite Alliance.

Firstly we look at the South African economy and explain why COSATU is unhappy with aspects of the government's strategy and its policy for 'restructuring' state assets and put forward our alternative.

The second article examines the role of progressive unions in a stable democracy, which is at the heart of much of the debate taking place in the Alliance.

Thirdly we respond to allegations that COSATU or its affiliates are part of some 'ultra-left, counter-revolutionary faction'. We examine the real meaning of the term 'ultra-left' and demonstrate how absurd it is to use it to describe COSATU.

We hope that this will put an end to this kind of labelling and name-calling so that we can turn to a serious debate about the real issues that affect the people of South Africa. We also reprint a response to these attacks by the SACP's general secretary, Blade Nzimande.

Also in this issue is the last Parliamentary Bulletin for 2002, summarising all the submissions COSATU and its allies have made in the Parliamentary process. The report shoes how much hard work has been put in by its Parliamentary Office staff, for which the Federation is very grateful.

The Shopsteward also expresses COSATU's total support for the 16 days of activism on violence against women and children, something we must all unite to stop.

We welcome your views on these questions. Please write to us at PO Box 1019, Johannesburg 2000, fax us on 011 339 5080 or email to patrick@cosatu.org.za