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Sunday Times reports that deep divisions between general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi and two senior colleagues forced the SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) to call in a mediator to sort out their squabbles, but the effort failed.
According to an internal report, due to be tabled at the federation’s conference this month, the organisation is in crisis due to the tension between Vavi on the one hand and Saftu president Mac Chavalala and deputy general secretary Moleko Phakedi on the other hand. Both Chavalala and Phakedi were placed on suspension in March. Phakedi is expected to challenge Vavi for the top post when the federation chooses new leaders. According to insiders, the main bone of contention is due to differences over whether to back the Socialist Revolutionary Workers Party (SRWP), which was created by Saftu affiliate Numsa in the lead-up to the 2019 elections. At the time Numsa pressed Saftu to back the party, but the federation’s leadership refused to do so. A faction supporting Vavi continues to oppose official support for the SRWP, arguing that some members are already supporters of parties such as the Pan Africanist Congress and the EFF. Phakedi’s campaign to unseat Vavi is believed to have the backing of Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim. Vavi confirmed last week that he was standing again for the position of general secretary.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Aphiwe Deklerk on page 4 of Sunday Times of 15 May 2022
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