The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) Jack Charles Bezuindenhout Region (formerly Wits Central) accepts COSATU General Secretary comrade Zwelinzima Vavi's public apology and admission that he has erred.

Comrade Vavi's apology is a sign of his braveness and courageous leadership style. He has done what many leaders have dismally failed to do when erred or committed serious mistakes of this nature.

We encourage the alleged victim to exercise her right by opening a case of sexual assault at her nearest police station, so that her alleged rape claims can be tested through a credible and fair criminal justice institution. We hold the view that rape is a serious criminal offense and it cannot be treated as a mere labour relations issue, and thus a criminal case process is an ideal and best place to deal with the matter.

However, we remain suspicious that the alleged rape claim is part of a dirty tactic intended to destroy comrade Vavi by his political opponents within COSATU. The timing of this claim is worrying and it reinforces our long held view that a sinister campaign is being used to push-out comrade Vavi from his elected position for narrow political and selfish ends.

We fully support comrade Vavi during this difficult and testing period since he has not been found guilty by any court. We are not his blind followers, but we are defending a leader who is being politically targeted for his principled posture on the many challenges faced by the working class and the poor. The daggers are all out for him, because he has genuinely refused to be co-opted by the political establishment or muzzled for speaking truth to power.

We call upon all our members and the working class in general to remain vigilant against these dirty tactics of destroying comrade Vavi. Furthermore, we call our members to be ready to defend their own federation which Vavi represent as its face national and internationally.

Contact:

Sizwe Dlamini
NUMSA
Wits Central Regional Secretary
Mobile:0718748228