Cosatu condemns statements by the MKMVA leaders

Cosatu said in a statement it is deeply disappointed by the actions of Kebby Maphatsoe (Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans) and Des Van Rooyen (Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs) for "publicly condemning another minister and using their different political hats as a justification."

"We find this insincere and distasteful because these ministers have many forums available at their disposal to internally discuss this matter and raise their views inside the ANC.  These comrades are all ANC ministers, serving one cabinet and one organisation and do not need press conferences to engage and reconcile their positions," Cosatu said.

Maphatsoe and Van Rooyen said Gordhan should stop seeking public sympathy through the media following news of the Hawks' investigation into the so-called Sars 'Rogue Unit'.

Cosatu says the MKMVA leadership is continuing to flame the same factional battles in the ANC that have eroded the alliance's support.

"While COSATU remain suspicious of any vicarious adoration of one individual and also remain opposed to any attempts to create the cult of personality around Cde Pravin Gordhan; we do not think this factional driven thrash talking in the media by leaders of the MKMVA is necessary and helpful," it said.

According to the federation, the reckless statements and actions by the MKMVA leaders are starting to give credence to the accusation by some that the Hawks' investigation and pursuit of Gordhan is political. 

"We want to remind the MKMVA that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. Cde Pravin has every right to do what he did and if we, as the Alliance, are going to proclaim ourselves the defenders of freedom, we need to defend his freedom to question and challenge the Hawks' actions."