Cape Town – Cosatu president Sdumo Dlamini and the federation’s deputy president Zingiswa Losi both testified against General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi at a commission of enquiry this week.

The Sunday Independent reported that Dlamini and Losi have emerged as star witnesses in the case of political disloyalty and maladministration that threatens to unseat the federation’s boss.

Affiliated unions opposing the general secretary have in the past three weeks made written submissions to members of the commission, labour lawyer Charles Nupen and Petrus Mashishi, former leader of a municipal union. 

SizweNtsalubaGobodo was appointed to look at allegations of financial misappropriation regarding the new Cosatu building in Johannesburg and unions argue that Vavi has lost the support of the majority of the affiliates.

The unions claim that the Cosatu boss has been misrepresenting the position of the federation and portrayed it as an opposition to the Jacob Zuma administration.

One of the affiliates, Popcru, has provided evidence of Vavi’s alleged involvement in the sale and purchase of Cosatu buildings. Vavi has meanwhile maintained his innocence saying should he be found guilty he will step down. 

The probe into Vavi conduct is the culmination of a protracted battle between him and Dlamini, who is seen as Zuma’s ally.  

  News24