Vavi lambastes SACP

Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi

Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi

Published Dec 18, 2014

Share

Johannesburg -

Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi has lambasted the SACP for continuing to sow divisions in the federation, saying that the party, once the vanguard of the workers, was quickly alienating itself from its primary constituency.

Vavi said that instead of taking the mature approach adopted by ANC leaders on Cosatu’s disunity, SACP bosses continued to agitate for divisions, including that the expulsion of metalworkers’ union Numsa should not be lifted.

The ANC, which is leading a political process to unify Cosatu, has on numerous occasions pleaded for the rhetoric to be toned down between opponents in the federation and the tripartite alliance. However, public jibes have increased, especially from the SACP and Numsa.

Following SACP deputy-general secretary Jeremy Cronin recently critiquing Vavi’s view on where labour currently stands, the Cosatu boss said yesterday in an open letter that it was time for some uncomfortable “truths” to be stated.

Vavi warned that demonising Numsa and its leaders would make it very difficult to pull back from the brink, creating a climate where it was acceptable to see the metalworkers as enemies and workers turning against each other.

The SACP said it would study the letter and comprehensively reply to it in due course.

- Cape Times

Related Topics: