AUDIO: Numsa rejects Vavi suspension

Numsa does not recognise Cosatu's decision to suspend the union federation's general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, its leadership said on Friday.

   

Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim reiterated that the Congress of SA Trade Unions' central executive committee (CEC) meeting held on Wednesday was unconstitutional.

   

"Numsa does not recognise the decision of the unconstitutional CEC and is consulting its lawyers about this matter," Jim told reporters in Johannesburg.

 

   

The National Union of Metalworkers of SA is the biggest trade union affiliated to Cosatu.

   

Cosatu announced on Thursday that Vavi had been put on special leave pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing relating to an affair he had with a junior Cosatu employee.

   

"[Vavi] has been released from all his official duties as the general secretary during this period of investigation until such a time that the outcome of the [disciplinary] hearing is known," deputy general secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali told reporters in Johannesburg.

   

Cosatu president Sidumo Dlamini said Vavi was placed on special leave after the special CEC meeting.

   

Last month, a junior Cosatu employee accused Vavi of rape. He admitted to having a consensual affair with her. The woman subsequently withdrew a sexual harassment complaint against him.

   

-Sapa