Johannesburg - The dismissal of former Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi has resulted in its first floor crossing.
Patrick Craven, who has headed up Cosatu’s communications unit for decades, has decided to leave the federation.
This follows Vavi being dismissed on Monday on for a range of reasons, including not fulfilling his duties.
Craven’s decision to leave Cosatu was apparent when journalists arrived at a press conference to be addressed by Vavi in Johannesburg and he was outside welcoming them.
He told reporters he had no choice but to leave South Africa’s largest labour federation.
“I’m no longer employed by Cosatu. I handed in my resignation yesterday,” Craven said.
He was uncomfortable justifying the reasons for Vavi’s axing on behalf of Cosatu as he would have to “defend the indefensible”.
He also said Cosatu was destroying “freedom” by ordering its affiliates not to attend meetings with Vavi or give him a platform.
Craven’s decision does not come as a surprise. He and Vavi are widely known to have a close relationship.
It is unclear what role Craven will now fulfil.
Labour Bureau