The South African Communist Party (SACP) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) are to establish a joint commission to decide on its approach to the current political environment, they said on Wednesday.

This followed bilateral talks between the African National Congress's (ANC's) alliance partners, held on Friday.

The commission would also foster class unity and build a broad left front for socialism.

"We further agreed to reconvene in due course to continue to debate in detail matters of tactical postures in the current period," they said in a joint statement.

The commission would be led by Cosatu secretary-general Zwelinzima Vavi and SACP secretary general Blade Nzimande.

Earlier this year, President Jacob Zuma expressed his displeasure at public spats and bickering within the alliance.

Cosatu had criticised the ANC, which in turn accused the union body of taking an "oppositionist" stance. The left was also accused of wanting to take over the ANC.

Cosatu and the SACP, after the talks, said that the ANC leadership elected in Polokwane was meant to usher in "radical change" and to be committed to the proper functioning of the ruling alliance rather than selling-out the revolution to "new elite".

"We went to Polokwane to build new ethos and values, to elect a caring leadership which shows compassion and listens to the people."

During the talks, the SACP and Cosatu agreed that little had been done over recent years to transform the "colonial features" of the country's economy.

"Attempts to simply deracialise and to co-opt women and youth into this growth pattern have not been helpful.

"In this regard, the leadership of the SACP and Cosatu has agreed to pay attention to the debate within the alliance on the need for an alternative growth path."

They expressed concern over attempts to derail the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI).

"We commit to campaign for the full implementation of the NHI. We cannot allow people to profit at the expense of our people."

Unemployment remained a problem particularly for young people who needed leadership and not "demagogic mobilisation around the 'get rich quick' mentality".

They also reiterated that the fight against crime and corruption was not a "political witch-hunt".

"Crime and corruption if not attended to will consume the moral fibre of our society and undermine our democratic breakthrough."

Cosatu's calls for lifestyle audits for public figures was not received well by the ANC.