COSATU Northern Cape statement on ANC's intention to charge General Secretary of COSATU

The Congress of South African Trade Unions in the Northern Cape has learned with shock and disgust that there are intentions by the ANC to charge comrade Zwelinzima Vavi for misconduct. What is interesting is the fact that the alleged misconduct is related to comrade Vavi carrying the mandate of the 2 million workers who have played a critical role in making sure that the ANC is in power today.

It is worth mentioning that any attempt to silence the working class voice will be a terrible mistake that will lead to the total demise of this internationally respected tripartite alliance.

COSATU is an independent alliance partner guided by our own constitution which allows us to make and execute our own decisions independent of the alliance partners. We must continuously conscientise those that choose to be selective in their understanding of the alliance that we are not a sub-structure or a labour desk of another organisation, but rather an equal partner.

It will never assist us to shift the focus from the real issues and derail the revolution for the benefit of a tiny minority who are seeking to loot our government to the level of bankruptcy.

We call on our ANC to publicly distance itself from this saga and lead the alliance in the fight against corruption and crime as we committed ourselves to the masses of our country during the General Elections in 2009.

Any attempt to discipline Vavi for representing COSATU will be the declaration of war on the working class.

Statement issued by Anele Gxoyiya, COSATU Northern Cape, Provincial Secretary, June 3 2010

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