COSATU Special Central Executive Committee

The Congress of South African Trade Unions held a special meeting of its Central Executive Committee on Wednesday 14 August 2013, to discuss issues arising from reports of alleged misconduct by the General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi, and a member of staff.

The meeting was fully constitutionally convened by the COSATU National Office Bearers, was quorate and was attended by leaders of COSATU affiliated unions and Provincial structures.

After lengthy discussion, the 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, chaired by an independent person, at which they would have every opportunity to present their case and answer charges.

In the meantime the General Secretary and the staff member have been placed on special leave, in the light of the nature and seriousness of the allegations.

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.

It was agreed that every individual and structure involved must  respect  internal processes, without exception, and issues must only be communicated to media by National Office Bearers.

Statement issued by Patrick Craven, COSATU national spokesperson, August 15 2013

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