Fin24 reports that SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi survived a battle for political survival and was re-elected to the position at the labour federation's second elective conference.

The Electoral Commission of SA officiated the results in the early hours of Thursday morning. Other officials elected at the conference in Boksburg included newly elected president Ruth Ntlokotse and returning treasurer Lecogo Motshwari. The conference is taking place amid a brutal battle for control within the federation's leadership and involving its largest member union, the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa). In the race for the position of general secretary, Vavi got 389 votes, while his opponent Moses Mautsoe got 300 votes. Motshwari got 366 votes for national treasurer, while her opponent Lepheane Moeketse got 323 votes. Out of 689 valid ballots, Ntombeko Luzipo got 357 votes for deputy general secretary, while Moleko Phakedi got 332 votes. Mosima Maredi was elected second deputy president with 399 votes, while Thabo Matsose was elected first deputy president with 372 votes. The conference also discussed critical strategic decisions behind closed doors. Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim has spearheaded a campaign to align Saftu with a political party. In contrast, Vavi has maintained that the federation must remain independent and not be beholden to any political party.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Khulekani Magubane at Fin24

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