Forensic auditors probe Vavi
FORENSIC auditors and accounting investigators were called in to probe financial mismanagement involving suspended Cosatu boss Zwelinzima Vavi and the employee he had an affair with.
FORENSIC auditors and accounting investigators were called in to probe financial mismanagement involving suspended Congress of South African Trade Union boss Zwelinzima Vavi and the junior employee he had an affair with.
This happened as the federation instituted an internal investigation into their conduct. The inclusion of financial irregularities charges against Mr Vavi point to the magnitude of the case against him.
It is understood that Mr Vavi is set to be charged soon, as the allegations of financial irregularities emerged during the probe set in motion after his suspension on August 14.
Revelations of Cosatu bringing in independent forensic auditors emerged in an affidavit filed by the federation in response to the court bid by Mr Vavi and the National Union of Metalworkers of SA to reverse his suspension.
Cosatu’s continuing internal fight has hampered its ability to fight key campaigns affecting its constituency, such as its battle against electronic tolling in Gauteng and its opposition to labour brokers.
Cosatu deputy general secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali said in the affidavit that the investigation into the affair between Mr Vavi and the employee was at an “advanced stage”. He also said the independent team of forensic and accounting investigators had met key Cosatu personnel, including its chief financial officer, as well as Mr Ntshal- intshali himself and the federation’s administration secretary.
Seven affiliates have intervened in the court matter, represented through an affidavit by police union Popcru’s general secretary, Nkosinathi Theledi.
Mr Theledi said Mr Vavi was “well aware that the allegations against him extended well beyond sexual indiscretions”.
The affidavit provided a precursor to the charges Mr Vavi is likely to face when he is charged by Cosatu.
Mr Vavi’s spokesman, John Dludlu, yesterday confirmed that he had not yet been presented with charges. Cosatu president Sdumo Dlamini said the investigation was being handled externally and was likely to be concluded “very soon”.
Mr Theledi also referred to a memorandum sent out on September 10 by a “Cosatu ad hoc committee” inviting workers to a rally to be addressed by Mr Vavi.
On the same day, the regional secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) issued a notice describing a “Fight Back Vavi Ntola Campaign” — referring to Mr Vavi and his ally, Sadtu president Thobile Ntola, who has also been suspended.
“This campaign is directed toward mobilising grassroots support…. Vavi is using the structures of Cosatu, whilst on suspension, to further his personal, political ambitions.” Mr Vavi’s “self-serving” campaign constituted a breach of his suspension conditions, said Mr Theledi. Mr Vavi has also engaged in a “systematic media campaign” to discredit fellow Cosatu leaders.
“Vavi has reportedly alleged that a number of members of senior leadership of Cosatu have engaged in similar or ‘ worse’ sexual indiscretions than his and that in targeting him, their conduct amounts to selective morality,” Mr Theledi said, adding that this was “inappropriate and destructive”.
This also showed that Mr Vavi did not put the interests of the federation ahead of “his personal political agenda”, he said.
A further example of his “divisive conduct” was to call for a special national congress to force an election of new office bearers. Cosatu’s court papers also revealed that the special national congress would be held only next year.