SADTU in defence of Comrade Zwelinzima Vavi
2 June 2010
The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) has described the alleged decision by the ANC National Working Committee to lay disciplinary charges against COSATU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi as another attempt to silence COSATU in its campaign against corruption. The alleged decision is both laughable and mischievous.
The strength of the Alliance has always been that it is a partnership of independent organisations with shared values and principles fighting the same struggle. However, no partner was above others.
The comments which have aggrieved the ANC were not said in the General Secretarys personal capacity but on behalf of COSATU after a Central Executive Committee meeting. The comments represented the views of millions of COSATU members and their affiliates.
As SADTU, we remain in full support of Comrade Vavi and COSATU whom we believe are facing the onslaught due their stance against corruption.
We reiterate COSATUs stance that Comrade Vavi will never be disciplined by another organisation for carrying out the Federations mandate.
Rather than wasting energy on divisive tactics by those individuals hell-bent to personal accumulation using the ANC, the liberation movement should concentrate on the following:
- The implementation of the elections manifesto focusing on the rollout of the National Health Insurance by Government;
- Ensuring that government build schools in rural areas to address the issue of access and education for all in South Africa.
We therefore call for an urgent meeting of the leadership of Alliance partners to resolve this matter. If the meeting is not convened as a matter of urgency, this will cause further strain to the Alliance and its future.
Issued by: SADTU Secretariat
CONTACTS:
General Secretary, Mugwena Maluleke 082 783 2968
Deputy General Secretary, Nkosana Dolopi 082 709 5651
Media Officer, Nomusa Cembi 082 719 5157