Vavi survives attempts to throw him out of federation

COSATU general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi seems to have survived attempts to throw him out of the labour federation – for now.

A tense meeting of the divided federation’s central executive committee (CEC) yesterday agreed to put aside motions to suspend or fire him, according to Cosatu sources and other unionists.

The motions were being pushed by Vavi’s opponents, led by affiliates such as the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu).

They had accused him of political disloyalty and selling the Cosatu’s headquarters at reduced prices to a company that employed his stepdaughter.

But his supporters, led by the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa), believed Vavi was being targeted because he was vocal against corruption and was critical of President Jacob Zuma’s administration.

They told the DFA this week that Vavi’s opponents were “abusing” the CEC to stage a coup and implement their “failed strategy” of removing from his position.

The scheduled three-day meeting, which was supposed to decide the future of the federation’s longest serving general secretary, was suddenly adjourned amid allegations that the CEC failed to agree on most key issues.

A unionist, who cannot be named because he is not authorised to speak to the media, said the CEC adjourned due to differences on how to handle the divisive Vavi matter.

“The CEC has adjourned. It’s over. There were tensions there because they can’t agree on issues. They were pushing for Vavi to be suspended, but they realised they couldn’t win. So they have agreed that the facilitation process must continue and anyone who has issues can make submissions,” said the unionist.

He was referring to the facilitation team appointed by Cosatu bosses in February to mediate between Vavi’s backers and his opponents.

The facilitation team, whose probe has reportedly stalled, was asked to help the two warring factions find a solution to Vavi’s future without resorting to processes that could paralyse the 1.2 million member federation.

Nehawu’s general secretary Fikile Majola said he was “satisfied” with the deliberations and outcome of the CEC meeting, but refused to talk about the outcome.

Numsa president Cedric Gina refused to comment last night. “I was not In the CEC today. I was there yesterday, but I sent an apology. You will have to speak to people who were there,” Gina said.

The adjournment of the CEC has forced Cosatu to bring forward its report back media briefing.