Laws and rules flagrantly ignored
BY NOW most of us have heard about the saga surrounding Cosatu’s secretary general. We heard that Zwelinzima Vavi was accused of rape by a Cosatu employee, that the charge was made long after the alleged crime; and that the accuser also allegedly asked for a huge sum of money to remain silent.
And that Vavi apologised to the nation and said he “made a mistake”; that the charge was subsequently dropped and Vavi was jubilant.
And also that he admitted to having an affair which was entirely consensual; that he felt vindicated; but Cosatu was intent on taking action.
We know all these things, and in the wake of it all, there are more concerns than answers.
Why did the accuser drop the charges? Why was Vavi jubilant when the charge was dropped, and gave media interviews with his wife, presenting a cosy family image?
Why was the woman sitting there smiling and saying she supports her husband when he has publicly admitted to cheating on her a few days before she gave birth to their twins?
Indeed, why do so many wives of men do this – give public speeches of how they trust their husbands in the wake of their cheating made public?
What was Vavi thinking by flouting labour regulations and appointing someone without following proper procedure?
He is the leader of a labour organisation! Why did he have intercourse with a junior staff member in the Cosatu offices, in working hours?
The questions all point to hugely significant issues.
Laws, rules, and procedure were flagrantly ignored on issues which form the core of building a responsible, ethical society.
But the worst outcome has to be that in a country with the highest rape statistics in the world, with a history of low conviction rates and inadequate punishment for offenders, things have just gotten worse.
There is a very real possibility that the credibility of rape accusers generally will be tarnished.
Add to this a history of our leaders committing sexual indiscretions and crimes with impunity – what messages are being given out to the men of a nation known for having high rates of rape and abuse?
So much for Women’s Day and Women’s Month!
Vavi has no intention of resigning and has been quoted as saying that he doesn’t think his actions warrant such a drastic step.
And he has his supporters, of course. There are always these.
Irrespective of what someone has done, there will be those who will defend him, as other considerations take on more importance than the breaking of rules, cheating and lying.
Things like political expediency. Of course.
As I write this I hear that Vavi has been put on special leave by Cosatu after a disciplinary hearing.
This is welcome, but it’s a case of too little too late.
And we, as a nation, will lick our wounds, and soldier on, bracing ourselves for the next assault, the next time our leaders fail us.
Raeesa Mahomed is a multi-media personality, having been active in radio, tv, film, and print for many years. @RaeesaMahomed