Q+A-Why are S.Africa's Zuma's hands tied by labour?

By Peroshni Govender

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - A strike by 1.3 million workers in South Africa's public sector in its third week is testing President Jacob Zuma's and his ruling African National Congress's fragile relationship with organised labour.

Unions, especially the country's largest labour federation COSATU, were instrumental in propelling Zuma to the presidency but have become increasingly frustrated with his government's failure to adopt left-leaning polices they support.

Below are some questions and answers about the extent to which Zuma is limited in his policies toward labour and the impact straining ties would have on the ANC's governing alliance with COSATU and the small but influential Communist Party.

CAN ZUMA GET TOUGH ON THE UNIONS?

Probably not. He will likely lose support from groups that propelled him into power. Labour could also widen their strikes, undermining his presidency, damaging the economy and jeopardising votes for the ANC as it heads into nationwide elections for all local government posts next year.

The ANC has championed itself as the voice of the poor and disenfranchised and Zuma needs to be seen as furthering these ideals to build support in the party and to ensure it maintains its overwhelming strength at the polls.

Giving the unions the cold shoulder could spell political suicide.

CAN ZUMA FIRE WORKERS?