Johannesburg - Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi is not under investigation, the trade union federation said on Thursday.
“There is no investigation; our secretary is not being investigated,” said Congress of SA Trade Unions president Sdumo Dlamini.
Dlamini was briefing reporters in Johannesburg after its central executive committee meeting where reports surfaced that the meeting wanted Vavi to be investigated.
The briefing began an hour late with Vavi being the last person to walk into the conference room.
Media raised concerns that Vavi might be suspended.
“Where is the SG?” shouted one journalist as Dlamini took his seat.
Cosatu media official Norman Mampani told journalists that Vavi and spokesman Patrick Craven were “busy with something” and would join the conference later.
When he arrived, Vavi read a statement from the committee stating that there was no truth to the suggestion that he was under investigation.
“The CEC strongly condemns the factional leaking of internal debates which get twisted in the media.”
Vavi said he would step down if evidence could be presented that he was involved in financial wrongdoing or corruption.
“That will be the worst betrayal of Cosatu members,” he said.
Dlamini pleaded with the media to allow Cosatu to debate its internal matters.
“An announcement will be made at the end of the debate. You will be informed,” said Dlamini.
He said the debate related to the resolutions of the national congress. - Sapa