By: Sipho Jack
Veteran trade unionist Zwelinzima Vavi has been re-elected as the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu)’s General Secretary.
Vavi won by 89 votes, beating Moses Mautsoe by 389 votes to 300 for Mautsoe.
Vavi’s victory was not an easy one as he faced a fierce battle with National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa)’s Irvin Jim who lobbied for Vavi’s removal as the federation boss.
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Former Saftu President Mac Chavalala also lost his position to Ntlokotse, with 299 votes compared to Ntlokotse’s 390, while Motshwari got 366 votes for national treasurer, to Lepheane Moeketse’s 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.
This is the second heavy defeat by Jim’s faction after they suffered on their Tuesday’s motion which sought the reinstatement of four suspended Saftu national office bearers (NOBs).
However, the move was cut short by 13 of the federation’s member unions.
The officials were suspended for issuing Vavi with the letter of suspension.
About 367 delegates voted for the suspensions to remain in place, while 325 wanted the suspended members reinstated.
The newly elected leadership is expected to hold its first media briefing later today.
