BusinessLive reports that the bruising battle for control of the Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu) could spur rival unions to eat into its 126,000-strong membership in the farming, fast food, beverage, fishing, wholesale and retail, and hospitality sectors.  

The leadership fallout has been heightened by the suspension of Fawu general secretary Katishi Masemola by its president, Atwell Nazo, in April.  Nazo cited allegations of policy transgressions for the suspension.  At issue are write-offs in the Basebenzi Investment Group, Fawu’s investment wing, in which Masemola is the director and former acting CEO.  According to Nazo, Fawu lost about R19.2m over a number of years, which led to the write-offs.  He said the national executive committee (NEC) “agreed to run an investigation on the write-offs.  A professional party will be appointed to conduct the investigation.”  However, Masemola said he would defy the suspension, which he dismissed as an open violation of Fawu’s constitution and policies.  He said the animosity between him and Nazo “has now gone so deep” that the only solution would be to convene a special national congress to allow “for a new leadership to emerge”.  Masemola commented:  “The current fiasco will lead to [the] weakening of Fawu and rival unions will feast all the way to [the] membership pond.”

• Read the full original of Luyolo Mkentane’s report in the above regard at BusinessLive

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