New independent trade union federation to launch soon: Vavi
Former Cosatu general secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi, on Thursday lashed out at some labour unions in South Africa, describing them as "useless".
Vavi said this is the core reason why alternative unions are being formed.
He was speaking in Johannesburg where the New Trade Union Federation Steering Committee briefed the media on, amongst other issues, what it calls 'rebuilding an independent, democratic and campaigning trade union federation'.
The trade unionist said they welcome the resolution by the Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) to leave Cosatu and join the new labour federation.
He said they are now at an advanced stage in the launching of a new independent federation to counter Cosatu.
Vavi told the media that they have already distributed the draft constitution to all 35 unions.
"The time is approaching. Within the next three weeks a special meeting of the steering committee will take place to decide on the date of the launch of the new federation. Unions and their members are already engaging on a constitution. They are engaging on what should be the name and logo of the news federation and are refining it to become an inclusive and inspiring organisation building tool," he said.
Vavi said Cosatu is now a former shadow of itself after allowing President Jacob Zuma and Blade Nzimande to destroy it.