The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU, has played a central role in reviving the political fortunes of Jacob Zuma, the former Vice President, ahead of African National Congress elections starting on Sunday. With COSATU’s support, Mr Zuma is now in pole position to win leadership of the movement, which would put him in a strong position to succeed Thabo Mbeki as South Africa’s president. Zwelinzima Vavi, the head of COSATU, has been one of Mr Zuma’s most important allies. William Wallis, FT Africa editor, and Alec Russell, FT Southern Africa Correspondent interviewed Mr Vavi in COSATU headquarters in Johannesburg on Wednesday December 12th, 2007.

Financial Times: Parts of the business community are afraid of you and of the influence you could have over government policy as it unfolds. Should they be afraid?