the anc holds a historic alliance with the south african communist party (sacp) and congress of south african trade unions (cosatu), known as the "tripartite alliance". the sacp and cosatu have not contested any election in south africa, but field candidates through the anc, hold senior positions in the anc, and influence party policy and dialogue. during mbeki's presidency, the government took a more pro-capitalist stance, often running counter to the demands of the sacp and cosatu.