The Congress of SA Trade Unions is opposed to a planning minister, as outlined in the green paper released by the Minister in the Presidency earlier this month, general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said on Tuesday.

"The green paper seeks to impose a planning minister. We must continue to engage on this matter. There is no planning minister," he said at Cosatu's 10th national congress in Midrand.

According to the green paper, the minister for national planning, Trevor Manuel, "will be the link between government and the [national planning] commission".

ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe, addressing the congress on Tuesday, said that those who accused Manuel of having too much influence in the government should remember that the tripartite alliance -- made up of the African National Congress, Cosatu and the South African Communist Party -- agreed to the idea of the commission.
full story from M&G here
I think the real story here is far simpler than titles and structure. Cosatu doesn't like Trevor Manuel, plain and simple.