SOUTH AFRICA- Members of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has announced the withdrawal of its supports for the ruling ANC ahead of next year’s election.

The 330,000-member union said it would not endorse any party for now.

Trade unions and the Communist Party have been in a tri-partite alliance with the ANC since 1994, accusing it of corruption and not doing enough to tackle poverty.

The decision by NUMSA to withdraw its support in next year's election is a blow to the ANC, but a boost for the opposition parties.

NUMSA has resolved to hold a socialist conference next year. This will certainly not please those who want the ANC to adopt more free market policies.

The ANC is still likely to win next year's elections, albeit with a smaller percentage - well below the usual 60% mark.

The NUMSA leader, Mr. Irvin Jim has called on President Jacob Zuma to resign, saying saying his administration had been linked to too many scandals.

He said the union would explore the possibility of setting up a new, socialist party.

Mr Zuma has been strongly criticised over the spending of $20m (£12m) for security upgrades at his residence in his home village of Nkandla. These include a swimming pool and a cattle enclosure.

The government was also condemned after police shot dead 34 striking miners in Marikana last year.