Vavi on 'special leave': Cosatu

Congress of SA Trade Unions general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi has been placed on special leave, the trade union federation's president Sidumo Dlamini said on Thursday.

   

"After lengthy discussion, the [central executive committee] 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," Dlamini told reporters in Johannesburg.

   

"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."

   

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

   

The central executive committee met in Johannesburg on Wednesday to decide on possible sanctions against Vavi for the affair.

   

-Sapa