News24 reports that the SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) said in a statement on Friday that an allegation of unwanted sexual advances which a Numsa employee levelled against its general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi has been settled as a misunderstanding.  

"For the record, it is true that a [National Union of Metalworkers of SA] staff member expressed her discomfort and made allegations that the Saftu general secretary made unwanted sexual advances and/or handled her inappropriately.  The allegations were made during September 2017.  On the same day these allegations were brought to the attention of the Saftu national office bearers, they acted swiftly," the statement indicated.  Numsa and Saftu gave the complainant a chance to "express herself" and say how she wanted the matter handled, while Vavi was asked separately for his version.  "He denied the allegations," according to the statement sent out by Vavi, Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim and Saftu spokesperson Patrick Craven.  They said the woman asked for a formal apology from Vavi because she wanted it settled informally and kept confidential.  "To this end, both parties agreed in writing that there had been a misunderstanding between themselves."  The woman accepted this and stated twice that she did not want to take the matter any further.  "Saftu is satisfied that this matter was handled fairly, with the best interests of the complainant at the heart of the chosen process.  In our view, justice was served," the statement indicated.

• Read this report by Jenni Evans & Sesona Nggakamba in full at News24
• Read too, Zwelinzima Vavi plays down alleged assault on a Numsa cleaner, at BusinessLive
• Read Saftu’s press statement at Saftu News

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page