Cape Town – The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) has given its secretary-general Zwelinzima Vavi until Thursday to explain why he should not be placed on precautionary suspension after noting his alleged violation of the labour movement’s constitution as well as its finance policy.
The Union issued a letter to Vavi to explain why he shouldn’t be placed under a precautionary suspension after a meeting of national office-bearers (NOBs) on Tuesday.
“Please be reminded that during the said meeting, at which you were in attendance, the NOBs took a serious note that, and with great concern, there are quite a number of transgressions on your part that are tantamount to acts of misconduct and misbehaviour and warrants investigations and possible disciplinary action,” read the letter.
It continued: “This, therefore, serves to inform you that you are requested to give reasons why you shouldn’t be placed under a precautionary suspension whilst the investigation takes place. The investigation will, amongst others, be about the alleged violations of the constitution, breach of administration and finance policy and disrespecting/undermining constitutional structural decisions and resolutions. You have up until the 17th March 2022 at 16:00 to do so”.
@SAFTU_media has written to the GS Cde Vavi to invoke disciplinary measures and suspend him . pic.twitter.com/sOkzNI3tvq
— umzukulu ka Seven (@velingobese_ZA) March 16, 2022
Following this letter, Vavi issued his own statement, stating that he did not understand why he needed a letter of suspension when a so-called decision was already made in his presence to place him on precautionary suspension with immediate effect.
Vavi further revealed that the motion to put him on precautionary suspension was moved by the second deputy president, Thabo Matsose, and seconded by Chavalala, which was later supported by the deputy general secretary, Moleko Phakedi.
Vavi said that the conduct by the union was unlawful and unconstitutional.
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“Why must I even answer your deliberately vague, spurious, wild, and unsubstantiated allegations. It seems evident that these wild allegations are designed to cast the net wide in order to justify a “political decision” taken elsewhere which has nothing to do with the allegations.
“Secondly, where do you derive the power to suspend a fellow National Office Bearer when the SAFTU Constitution is categorical that only the National Executive Committee can suspend National Office Bearers?,” Vavi said.
He continued: “I reject your unlawful and unconstitutional conduct which is not only unheard of but defies the logic of natural justice…”.
Read Vavi’s full statement below:
JUST IN
SAFTU’s Zwelinzima Vavi says the Federation’s notice of intention to suspend him is unlawful.
‘I reject your unlawful and unconstitutional conduct’, says Vavi.
[READ BELOW]#SABCNEWS pic.twitter.com/eKn66qCQUN
— Chriselda ‘Babes We Ndaba’ Lewis (@Chriseldalewis) March 16, 2022
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Compiled by Sinothando Siyolo
