Cosatu meeting constitutional: Dlamini

The meeting which decided to place Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi on special leave was held constitutionally, the trade union federation's  president Sidumo Dlamini said on Thursday.

   

"The meeting was fully constitutionally convened by the Cosatu national office bearers, was quorate, and was attended by leaders of Cosatu affiliated unions and provincial structures," Dlamini told reporters in Johannesburg.

   

"It was agreed that every individual and structure involved must respect internal processes, without exception, and issues must only  be communicated to media by national office bearers."

   

Earlier, the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) general secretary Irvin Jim said the Congress of SA Trade Unions central executive committee (CEC) meeting held on Wednesday was not constitutional.

   

Dlamini said it was agreed at the meeting that it was properly constituted. He said Numsa's claim was recorded in the minutes of the meeting. However, the agreement was also recorded in the minutes.

   

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.

   

The CEC met in Johannesburg on Wednesday to decide on possible sanctions against Vavi for the affair. Dlamini said Vavi was placed on special leave.

   

"After lengthy discussion, the [CEC] meeting agreed to conduct a full investigation into the allegations and to ask both the general secretary and the staff member to attend disciplinary hearings. The meeting insisted that everybody involved must be treated equally and that the process will be conducted in a free and fair manner, in full compliance with the Cosatu constitution."

   

The disciplinary hearing would be chaired by an independent person.

   

In the meantime Cosatu deputy general secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali would perform Vavi's duties.

   

-Sapa